September 10, 2003
Is Pollution Making Kids Sick? A New NCSL Video Explores This Question
Video investigates the policy implications of childhood susceptibility to environmental hazards
Denver - Pollution may be making children sick, and a new video examines the implications this may have on state policies. The National Conference of State Legislatures, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, has produced "Children's Health and the Environment: An Introduction for State Policymakers." The new 18-minute video provides policymakers and others with the latest scientific information on the topic. It provides viewers with access to experts and lawmakers as they discuss children's susceptibility to environmental hazards and environmental links to childhood disease.
Children are uniquely vulnerable to many environmental pollutants since their behavior patterns and smaller size means that they may be exposed to higher pollution levels than adults. In addition, children's bodies are still growing and developing, and key developmental processes can be disturbed by exposures that would have little effect on adults.
Among the topics the video examines are:
- Rising rates of childhood diseases, such as asthma and developmental disabilities.
- Environmental factors such as mercury, pesticides and air pollution, and whether they are contributing to increases in childhood disease.
- Examples of state policies. State legislators discuss how their states have approached children's health and environment issues, from tracking asthma to making sure that regulations take children's potential susceptibilities into account.
The video can be viewed online at www.ncsl.org/programs/esnr/cehvid2.htm For copies please call (303) 856-1341, or visit NCSL's environmental health web site, www.ncsl.org/programs/esnr/toxics.htm for more information.
The NCSL Environmental Health project brings scientific expertise and insight to assist policymakers on issues of environment and health. NCSL is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. Its mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, foster interstate communication and provide the states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.
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Gene Rose
Public Affairs Director
303-856-1518
Glen Andersen
Senior Policy Specialist Environment, Energy and Transportation Program
303-856-1341
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