Protecting Children this October!

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is devoting Children’s Health Month to the issues of climate change and children’s health. We believe that a public health response to these issues, combined with raising awareness in the general population about the threats and how to prepare for and respond to them, is the best way forward.

We know that living with climate change will have consequences for our health, and we know that these consequences will be different for children than for adults. Across the country, children’s health will be affected – but not always in the same ways.

Some climate change related developments will be particularly challenging for children with asthma and allergies, as heat, air pollution, and a longer allergy season all combine to worsen symptoms. Some children live in parts of the country where drought is present; others will see more rainfall and storms. Biting mosquitoes and Lyme disease-carrying ticks are expected to be more problematic for children as the climate continues to change.

Across the country, children who live in poverty will face even more challenges as the climate changes, thus requiring appropriate public health awareness, preparation and response.

The EPA has developed an action step for each day of October to help keep your children safe.

The EPA is also hosting a number of nationwide Children’s Health events. Local Children’s Health Month Event:

• Green California Schools and Community Colleges Summit and Exposition
  This summit provides an opportunity for participants to learn how to create healthy and efficient learning environments. EPA Region 9 staff will provide a panel presentation about what measures can be undertaken during energy efficiency upgrades to create healthier school environments. EPA Region 9 staff will also have an outreach table with information on various healthy school topics including indoor air quality, lead paint hazards, PCBs, integrated pest management, and more. This event is open to the public. Please see the summit website for information on how to register.
  Date: October 28 – 29, 2015
  Location: Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA
  More Information: Please contact Eric Canteenwala (canteenwala.eric@epa.gov) or at 415-972-3932.

For further information on the EPA’s Children’s Health Month visit their website.