Child Health and the Environment

A healthy diet is not an environmental factor that can negatively impact child health. Air pollution, water pollution, and lead exposure are all environmental factors that can have negative effects on child health.

Particulate matter, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is particularly harmful to children's respiratory health. It can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

Lead-based paint is the primary source of lead exposure in children. Lead-contaminated soil and lead-glazed pottery can also be sources of lead exposure, but lead-based paint is the most common.

Diarrhea is a common health risk associated with exposure to water pollution in children. Water pollution can also cause skin rashes, respiratory infections, and other health problems.

The primary way that children are exposed to secondhand smoke is through their parents. Secondhand smoke can also be a problem in homes where other adults smoke, such as grandparents or babysitters.

Obesity is not a common health risk associated with secondhand smoke exposure in children. Asthma, ear infections, and SIDS are all common health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure in children.

The primary way that children are exposed to pesticides is through food. Pesticides can also be present in water, air, and soil, but food is the most common source of exposure.

Diabetes is not a common health risk associated with pesticide exposure in children. Cancer, neurological problems, and birth defects are all common health risks associated with pesticide exposure in children.

The primary way that children are exposed to lead in soil is through hand-to-mouth contact. Children can also ingest soil directly or inhale soil dust, but hand-to-mouth contact is the most common route of exposure.

Vision problems are not a common health risk associated with lead exposure in children. Learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and hearing loss are all common health risks associated with lead exposure in children.

The primary way that children are exposed to mercury is through fish consumption. Mercury can also be present in air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination, but fish consumption is the most common source of exposure.

Cancer is not a common health risk associated with mercury exposure in children. Neurological problems, kidney problems, and birth defects are all common health risks associated with mercury exposure in children.

The primary way that children are exposed to radon is through air inhalation. Radon is a radioactive gas that can be present in homes and other buildings. It can be inhaled through the air and can cause lung cancer.

Asthma is not a common health risk associated with radon exposure in children. Lung cancer, leukemia, and brain cancer are all common health risks associated with radon exposure in children.

The primary way that children are exposed to asbestos is through air inhalation. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be found in building materials, such as insulation and roofing. It can be released into the air when these materials are disturbed or damaged.

Heart disease is not a common health risk associated with asbestos exposure in children. Lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis are all common health risks associated with asbestos exposure in children.