The Crisis in Children's Environmental Health: Policy Implications

Among the most vulnerable to environmental health hazards are the youngest members of society --children. Damage to children's health is an unacceptable byproduct of our heavy dependence on fossil fuels, coupled with environmental standards that fail to take into account children's unique physiology or routes of exposure. Policymakers need to consider the smaller body weight of children, their particular habits, and their increased sensitivity to environmental contaminants when drafting environmental regulations. Preventing illness and chronic disease in youth will result in substantial health cost savings. Moreover, initiatives that promote cleaner forms of energy and alternative transportation can protect children's health by minimizing exposure to hazardous constituents and maximizing opportunities for exercise