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Energy Justice & Equity

kristiet_a0o04rjz on December 1, 2023

Energy Justice & Equity

By Eddy Daniel, Intern, Children’s Environmental Health Network

December 2023

Energy justice and equity guarantee all communities, regardless of race, location, and socioeconomic status, access to clean and affordable energy. Unfortunately, in the US, not all communities have this access. 

Injustices in energy systems in the US exist in several forms. Currently, Indigenous, Black, and Brown consumers and those with lower incomes tend to pay a higher percentage of their income towards their energy bills compared to White consumers. This is referred to as their “energy burden.” Energy insecurity is a measure of affordability (energy burden) and accessibility. Low-income households face an energy burden three and a half times higher than non-low-income households. They are also more likely to face energy insecurity and most likely to be exposed to pollution from the fossil fuel industry. Non-White households, older adults, and renters also tend to have higher energy burdens in the US.

Due to high energy costs, households may be forced to choose between maintaining adequate heating and cooling in their homes and affording necessities like food and healthcare. Also, as a result of systemic disinvestment of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities and racist housing and zoning policies, these families are less likely to have access to energy-efficient housing or available resources that support reduced household energy use. Despite the presence of energy assistance programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), significant numbers of households are not able to access the funds, and the funds are insufficient to help everyone who needs assistance. 

Fossil Fuels & Health

The US depends largely on fossil fuels, which are not clean energy sources. The oil and gas industry significantly contributes to air pollution, dumping 9 million tons of toxic pollutants into our air yearly. Black individuals are 75% more likely to live near toxic oil and gas facilities and be exposed to more of these pollutants. This exposure contributes to children’s health disparities. Black children are three times as likely to have asthma compared to White children. Safe and healthy environments for all children are critical to unleash their excellence.

Climate Change

Burning fossil fuels has also contributed to the current climate crisis. The impact of climate change can be seen through increases in heat waves, wildfires, and colder and harsher winters across the US. Due to climate change, energy-insecure households face power outages from increasing climate-related disasters or even preemptive shutoffs to prevent wildfires. Climate-related disasters can cause health issues and further deepen energy insecurity. 

There is a need to embrace clean energy and for just transitions to ensure equitable access for all communities. Switching to clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower is a major solution. Individuals can take action by educating more people to fill the knowledge gaps on renewable energy. They can also vote for leaders who support energy justice and demand existing political leaders invest in clean, renewable energy sources. Households can also take simple actions such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use to reduce energy consumption and opting for energy-smart appliances when possible.

Check out our resources on climate change, energy justice, and children’s health to learn more.

Child Care Providers–Test Your Water For Lead + State Funding Available

kristiet_a0o04rjz on September 27, 2023

Child Care Providers–Test Your Water For Lead + State Funding Available

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

October 2023

Lead can leach into drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead service lines, lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. There is NO safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Low levels can cause brain damage, lowered IQ, and behavior problems.

Children Are More Vulnerable

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their developing brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead. Infants drinking formula are in danger if the formula is made with lead-contaminated water.

State Requirements for Lead in Water Testing in Child Care

Eleven states (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington) and two cities (New York City and DC) currently require child care facilities to test their drinking water for lead contamination. 

The specific testing requirements differ for each of the 11 states–some may apply to child care centers, family child care, or both. All states currently only cover licensed facilities. 

State Funding for Lead in Water Testing

Most of these eleven states and two cities offer funding for child care facilities to test their water. A states’ drinking water testing program may focus on child cares serving low-income families (e.g., at least 50% of the children attending receive free and reduced lunch or are part of the Head Start program). Priority may also be given to older facilities that are more likely to contain lead pipe plumbing.

See our newly created spreadsheet for more information about the state’s lead-in water testing programs.

Lead-Safe Toolkit

Check out the FREE Lead-Safe Toolkit in English and Spanish for additional information and best practices on identifying and reducing lead in water in child care facilities.

Proveedores de cuidado infantil: analicen su agua para detectar plomo + fondos estatales disponibles

El plomo puede filtrarse en el agua potable cuando los materiales de plomería que contienen plomo se corroen. Las fuentes más comunes de plomo en el agua potable son las líneas de servicio de plomo, las tuberías de plomo, los grifos y los accesorios. NO existe un nivel seguro de plomo en la sangre de un niño. Los niveles bajos pueden causar daño cerebral, disminución del coeficiente intelectual y problemas de conducta.

Los niños son más vulnerables

El plomo es particularmente peligroso para los niños porque sus cuerpos en crecimiento absorben más plomo que los adultos y sus cerebros y sistemas nerviosos en desarrollo son más sensibles a los efectos dañinos del plomo. Los bebés y los niños pequeños también pueden estar más expuestos al plomo. Los bebés que beben fórmula corren peligro si la fórmula está hecha con agua contaminada con plomo.

Requisitos estatales para las pruebas de plomo en el agua en el cuidado infantile

Once estados (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont y Washington) y dos ciudades (New York y DC) actualmente requieren que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil realicen pruebas de plomo en el agua potable para detectar la contaminación por plomo. 

Los requisitos de prueba específicos difieren para cada uno de los 11 estados; algunos pueden aplicarse a centros de cuidado infantil, cuidado infantil familiar o ambos. Actualmente, todos los estados solo cubren instalaciones con licencia. 

Financiamiento estatal para pruebas de plomo en el agua

La mayoría de estos once estados y dos ciudades ofrecen fondos para que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil analicen su agua. El programa de pruebas de agua potable de un estado puede centrarse en instalaciones de cuidado infantil que atienden a familias de bajos ingresos (por ejemplo, al menos el 50% de los niños que asisten reciben almuerzo gratis o a precio reducido o forman parte del programa Head Start). También se puede dar prioridad a las instalaciones más antiguas que tienen más probabilidades de contener tuberías de plomo.

Consulte nuestra hoja de cálculo recién creada para obtener más información sobre los programas de de pruebas de plomo en el agua del estado.

Kit de herramientas para evitar el plomo

Consulte el Kit de herramientas para evitar el plomo GRATUITO en inglés y español para obtener información adicional y las mejores prácticas para identificar y reducir el plomo en el agua en instalaciones de cuidado infantil.

New Proposed Federal Rule will Protect Children from Lead Poisoning

kristiet_a0o04rjz on August 24, 2023

New Proposed Federal Rule will Protect Children from Lead Poisoning

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

September 2023

In July 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed strengthening requirements for removing lead-based paint dust in homes and child care facilities built before 1978.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule would require property owners or child care facilities to test for lead dust if a young child shows symptoms of lead exposure through a blood test or other similar measure. If a test confirms the presence of any level of lead dust, the property owners are required to pay for the cleanup. The rule would apply to facilities regularly used by children six or younger, including child care centers, family child care homes, and preschools. 

Under the proposed EPA rule, any amount of lead dust on floors and window sills would qualify as “hazardous” and require abatement. The current “hazardous” standard is ten micrograms per square foot for floors and 100 micrograms per square foot for window sills. 

If the EPA’s proposed rule is finalized, it would reduce exposure to lead for as many as 500,000 young children per year.

Lead is Harmful to Children’s Health

There is no safe level of lead for children. Lead can be found in the air, water, soil, and consumer products. Children are at high risk because their bodies are still developing, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead’s harmful effects. These effects, including brain damage and loss of IQ, occur at low levels of exposure to lead sources often found in homes and child care facilities.

Environmental Justice Concerns

Communities that are majority low-income, Black, Brown, or Indigenous have higher rates of children with lead poisoning. This is due to U.S. racist housing policies (e.g., redlining), which lead to Black, Brown, Indigenous, or low-income families living in older, dilapidated housing. 

Child Care Providers Need Support!

Protecting children and staff from lead hazards in child care settings is critical to providing safe and healthy spaces where children can thrive. Child care providers must also have support–financial and technical to eliminate lead paint and dust hazards in their facilities and homes. Without this type of support, providers are overburdened and under-resourced. North Carolina is an example of a state offering technical and financial support to child care providers to address lead hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program reimburses child care centers and homes for the full cost of lead paint mitigation activities.

Take Action!

The EPA needs to hear from child care professionals. We invite you to submit a comment in support of this health-protective rule, known as Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels. You can adapt text from this blog and submit it to the EPA.

Use this link to submit your comments to the EPA. Comments are due by October 2nd.

Note: Additional Tips for submitting comments to the EPA:

  • Be concise but support your claims.
  • Base your comments on scientific evidence and/or how you will be impacted.
  • There is no minimum or maximum length for an effective comment.

Nueva regla federal propuesta protegerá a los niños del envenenamiento por plomo

En julio de 2023, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental propuso fortalecer los requisitos para eliminar el polvo de pintura a base de plomo en hogares e instalaciones de cuidado infantil construidas antes de 1978.

La regla propuesta por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) requeriría que los  dueños de propiedades o instalaciones de cuidado infantil realicen pruebas de polvo de plomo si un niño pequeño muestra síntomas de exposición al plomo a través de un análisis de sangre u otra medida similar. Si una prueba confirma la presencia de cualquier nivel de polvo de plomo, los propietarios deben pagar por la limpieza. La regla se aplicaría a las instalaciones utilizadas regularmente por niños de 6 años o menos, incluidos los centros de cuidado infantil, los hogares de cuidado infantil familiar y los centros preescolares. 

Bajo la regla propuesta por la EPA, cualquier cantidad de polvo de plomo en los pisos y alféizares de ventanas calificarían como “peligroso” y requerirían reducción. El estándar “peligroso” actual es de 10 microgramos por pie cuadrado para pisos y 100 microgramos por pie cuadrado para alféizares de ventanas.

Si se finaliza la regla propuesta por la EPA, se reduciría la exposición al plomo para hasta 500,000 niños pequeños por año.

El plomo es perjudicial para la salud de los niños

No existe un nivel seguro de plomo para los niños. El plomo se puede encontrar en el aire, el agua, la tierra y los productos de consumo. Los niños corren un alto riesgo porque sus cuerpos aún se están desarrollando y su cerebro y sistema nervioso son más sensibles a los efectos nocivos del plomo. Estos efectos, incluyendo daño cerebral y pérdida del coeficiente intelectual, ocurren en niveles bajos de exposición a fuentes de plomo que se encuentran a menudo en hogares y centros de cuidado infantil.

Preocupaciones de justicia ambiental

Las comunidades que son en su mayoría de bajos ingresos, negras, marrones o indígenas tienen tasas más altas de niños con envenenamiento por plomo. Esto se debe a las políticas de vivienda racistas de Estados Unidos (por ejemplo, la línea roja), que llevan a que familias negras, morenas, indígenas o de bajos ingresos vivan en viviendas antiguas y deterioradas.

¡Las proveedoras de cuidado infantil necesitan apoyo!

Proteger a los niños y al personal de los peligros del plomo en los entornos de cuidado infantil es fundamental para proporcionar espacios seguros y saludables donde los niños puedan prosperar. Los proveedores de cuidado infantil también deben contar con apoyo financiero y técnico para eliminar los peligros de la pintura y el polvo con plomo en sus instalaciones y hogares. Sin este tipo de apoyo, los proveedores están sobrecargados y carecen de recursos. Carolina del Norte es un ejemplo de estado que ofrece apoyo técnico y financiero a los proveedores de cuidado infantil para abordar los peligros del plomo. El programa Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids reembolsa a los centros de cuidado infantil y hogares el costo total de las actividades de mitigación de pintura con plomo.

¡Tomar acción!

La EPA necesita escuchar a los profesionales de cuidado infantil. Le invitamos a enviar un comentario en apoyo de esta regla de protección de salud, conocida como Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels (Reconsideración de las normas de peligro de plomo-polvo y niveles de liquidación posterior a la reducción de plomo-polvo). Puede adaptar el texto de este blog y enviarlo a la EPA.

Utilizar esta enlace para enviar sus comentarios a la EPA. Los comentarios deben enviarse antes del 2 de octubre.

Nota: Consejos adicionales para enviar comentarios a la EPA:

  • Sea conciso pero respalde sus afirmaciones.
  • Base sus comentarios en evidencia científica y/o en cómo se verá afectado.
  • No existe una longitud mínima o máxima para un comentario efectivo.

Keeping Children Safe During Extreme Heat Events: Tips

kristiet_a0o04rjz on July 28, 2023

Keeping Children Safe During Extreme Heat Events: Tips

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

August 2023

Extreme heat events in the U.S. are already occurring and will become more common and severe as the climate changes.

Millions of residents are currently enduring record-high temperatures as large heatwaves sweep across the U.S. Throughout the summer months, child care providers and caregivers must be careful to ensure children are protected from these extreme heat conditions. Extreme heat is linked to more deaths than any other weather-related hazard. These events can cause heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. 

Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat because of differences in behavior; for example, they often spend more time outside. Their bodies’ abilities to regulate heat are also developing, so extreme heat’s consequences can occur quickly, last longer, and be more dire. 

Children from lower-income and Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities are even more vulnerable. Residential segregation often puts these communities at greater risk from extreme heat. Historic U.S. racist housing policies, including redlining, resulted in residential segregation, forcing many low-income and Black, Brown, or Indigenous people into urban neighborhoods with fewer resources. This residential segregation leads to low-income and Black, Brown, or Indigenous people being exposed to more environmental health risks, including pollution and urban heat. Research also shows that land surface temperatures in historically redlined areas are warmer than in non-redlined areas.

Signs of heat illness or heat exhaustion include:

  • Flushed skin, 
  • Dizziness, 
  • Headache, or fatigue; and
  • Weakness or muscle cramps.

Most of the time, these symptoms can be treated with fluids and rest. If these symptoms are ignored, heatstroke can develop. 

Heatstroke symptoms include hot, flushed skin; rapid, strong pulse; high fever, little to no sweating; and dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires professional assistance. It’s essential for child care providers and caregivers to look out for these signs.

TO REDUCE HEALTH RISKS BEFORE AND DURING EXTREME HEAT EVENTS:

  1. Train child care staff to recognize the signs of heat illness and know when it is an emergency.
  2. Find out about local heat alert systems and subscribe to them.
  3. Regularly check the latest weather forecasts.
  4. Ensure air conditioning systems work correctly.
  5. Use electric fans to provide comfort when air conditioning is not present. Fans should not be used when the temperature is above 90F.
  6. Ensure that children can stay cool and drink plenty of water.
  7. Limit outdoor activities, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.
  8. Locate nearby places to visit where children can cool off during extreme heat events (e.g., shaded park, community pool, or public library).

Enjoy the Summer while Reducing Your Exposure to Pesticides

kristiet_a0o04rjz on June 20, 2023

Enjoy the Summer while Reducing Your Exposure to Pesticides

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

July 2023

Science has brought to light many negative health and environmental impacts of pesticides.

Summer is a time for outdoor activities and enjoying the warm weather. However, it is also a time when pesticides are widely used in landscaping and in and around homes and child care facilities. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of pesticide use and provide tips for controlling pests using safer methods.

Pest control methods have been used for thousands of years. However, the 20th century was the first time mass-produced synthetic pesticides were used on a large scale. 

Pesticides are chemicals that kill or control pests, such as insects, weeds, and rodents. Their use can have harmful health and environmental impacts. Pesticide exposure occurs by breathing it, ingesting it through the mouth, and via absorption through the skin or eyes. These harmful chemicals can be found in our food, our air (e.g., pesticide drift from agricultural uses and spraying of parks, areas around homes, schools, and child care facilities), and water (e.g., pesticides can enter our groundwater and surface water via contaminated soil). Pesticides can also be tracked into homes or child care environments on shoes and clothing.

Exposure to pesticides can have serious health impacts, including:

  • Cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors;
  • Reproductive and developmental problems: birth defects, miscarriages, and infertility;
  • Neurological damage: damage to the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and seizures;
  • Respiratory problems: lung irritation causing  respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis; and
  • Skin and eye irritation: skin and eye irritation, rashes, and blisters.

Pesticides can also have harmful environmental impacts, including poisoning wildlife, contaminating water, killing beneficial insects (e.g., bees and ladybugs, which are important for pollination and natural pest control), and building up in the environment over time, leading to long-term contamination.

Safer Methods for Controlling Pests

Fortunately, there are safer methods for controlling pests. Here are some tips:

  • Use least-toxic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to get rid of pests. 
    • IPM practices include only allowing children to eat food in the designated meal areas; limiting the use of food items for crafts and always storing food items in tightly sealed glass or metal containers; fixing all leaks promptly; and sealing or caulk cracks and holes.
  • Choose a pest control professional that uses the least-toxic alternatives to control pests. 
    • Ask friends and family to recommend a pest management professional that employs mechanical methods first (e.g., caulking entranceways) for controlling pests.
    • Ask the professional to inspect the site of concern. The inspection should include a written diagnosis of the problem or an identification of the pest.
    • Confirm that baits and traps are used rather than sprays/foggers.
    • Review the solutions. For example, a pest management professional who shares that they will spray every month is not a long-term solution.
  • If you must use pesticides, at a minimum, there should be a 12-hour window between the application of pesticides and the time children are in the area (see manufacturer’s instructions to ensure 12 hours is enough time), and do not allow nap areas, play areas, or toys to be contaminated (pesticide residue can linger).

Reduce your exposure to pesticides in food by choosing organic produce whenever possible–especially for fruit and vegetables that contain higher amounts of pesticide residues.

Pesticide use can have harmful health and environmental impacts. Using safer methods for controlling pests, we can protect ourselves, our families, and the environment. 

June is Brain Awareness Month

kristiet_a0o04rjz on May 15, 2023

June is Brain Awareness Month

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

June 2023

The month aims to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and brain health in general. 

Neurobehavioral problems, like autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, affect about 10-15% of children born today. Genes play a role in some of these disorders – but only about 40% of the disorders can be accounted for by genes alone, so the environment plays a significant role in affecting brain health. 

There is strong evidence of a connection between neurodevelopmental disorders in children and exposure to these chemicals: Lead, Methylmercury, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), Arsenic, Chlorpyrifos and DDT (pesticides), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants), Bisphenol-A, and Phthalates. 

These brain-damaging chemicals are commonly found in our food, water, soil, paint, cleaning and personal care products, art supplies, furniture, toys, and many other everyday items. 

The developing brain is extremely vulnerable to chemical exposures in utero and early childhood, and the negative effects can be lifelong. Chemicals can cause permanent brain injury at low levels of exposure in fetuses or young children that would have little adverse effect in an adult.

Eco-Healthy Tips to Reduce Exposure to Brain-Damaging Chemicals

  1. Take off your shoes at the door (of your child care facility or home) to avoid tracking contaminated dust and dirt into your home.
  2. Wet mop and damp dust regularly. Many chemicals cling to dust, so keeping a clean house is more important than ever.
  3. Wash hands frequently. For children, hand-to-mouth behavior is a primary exposure route. 
  4. If you live in a home or work in a child care facility built before 1978, have the external and internal paint tested for lead. If you’re pregnant or have a small child, ask your doctor to check their blood lead level.
  5. Eat safer fish. Avoid swordfish, tilefish, King mackerel, and shark. The EPA and FDA advise eating up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish lower in mercury, like shrimp and salmon.
  6. Choose organic produce whenever possible.
  7. Look for furniture and children’s products that are flame-retardant-free.
  8. Choose rice-free packaged snacks. Snacks made with rice flour can be high in arsenic.
  9. Select BPA and phthalate-free household and personal care items.
  10. Choose 3rd party-certified green cleaning products (e.g., Green Seal, EcoLogo, or EPA’s Safer Choice).

Learn more about our eco-healthy best practices that can help protect brains in our checklist!

¡Junio ​​es el Mes de la Conciencia del Cerebro!

El mes tiene como objetivo crear conciencia sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer y la salud del cerebro en general.

Problemas neuroconductuales, como el autismo,desorden hiperactivo y deficit de atencion (TDAH), y dislexia, afectan alrededor del 10-15% de los niños nacidos hoy. Los genes desempeñan un papel en algunos de estos trastornos, pero solo alrededor del 40% de los trastornos pueden explicarse solo por los genes, por lo que el medio ambiente juega un papel importante en afectar la salud del cerebro.

Hay fuerte evidencia de una conexión entre los trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños y exposición a estos químicos: Plomo, methylmercury (metilmercurio), polychlorinated biphenyls- PCB (bifenilos policlorados), arsenic (arsénico), chlorpyrifos (clorpirifos) y DDT (pesticidas), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (éteres de difenilo polibromados) (retardantes de llama), Bisphenol-A (bisfenol-A) y phthalates (ftalatos).

Estos productos químicos que dañan el cerebro se encuentran comúnmente en nuestros alimentos, agua, tierra, pintura, productos de limpieza y cuidado personal, suministros de arte, muebles, juguetes y muchos otros artículos cotidianos.


El cerebro en desarrollo es extremadamente vulnerable a la exposición química en el útero y la primera infancia, y los efectos negativos pueden durar toda la vida.. Los productos químicos pueden causar lesiones cerebrales permanentes a bajos niveles de exposición en fetos o niños pequeños que tendrían pocos efectos adversos en un adulto.

Consejos ecosaludables para reducir la exposición a sustancias químicas que dañan el cerebro

  1. Quítese los zapatos en la puerta (de su instalación de cuidado infantil u hogar) para evitar arrastrar polvo y suciedad contaminados a su hogar.
  2. Use un trapeador húmedo y un paño húmedo regularmente. Muchos productos químicos se adhieren al polvo, por lo que mantener la casa limpia es más importante que nunca.
  3. Lávese las manos con frecuencia. Para los niños, el comportamiento de llevarse la mano a la boca es una vía de exposición principal.
  4. Si vive en una casa o trabaja en una instalación de cuidado infantil construida antes de 1978, haga que la pintura externa e interna se someta a pruebas de plomo. Si está embarazada o tiene un hijo pequeño, pídale a su médico que le revise el nivel de plomo en la sangre.
  5. Coma peces más seguros. Evite el pez espada, el pez tilejo, la caballa real y el tiburón. La EPA y la FDA aconsejan comer hasta 12 onzas (2 comidas promedio) a la semana de una variedad de pescados y mariscos bajos en mercurio, como los camarones y el salmón.
  6. Elija productos orgánicos siempre que sea posible.
  7. Busque muebles y productos para niños que no tengan retardantes de llama.
  8. Elija bocadillos envasados sin arroz. Los bocadillos hechos con harina de arroz pueden ser altos en arsénico.
  9. Seleccione artículos para el hogar y el cuidado personal sin BPA y ftalatos.
  10. Elija productos de limpieza ecológicos certificados por Green Seal, EcoLogo o Safer Choice de la EPA.

¡Obtenga más información sobre nuestras mejores prácticas ecológicas saludables que pueden ayudar a proteger los cerebros en nuestra lista de verificación!

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day–Providers as Promoters of Health

kristiet_a0o04rjz on April 14, 2023

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day: Providers as Promoters of Health

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

May 2023

With Child Care Provider Appreciation Day® right around the corner (May 12th), it’s a good time to highlight how Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) endorsed child care providers AND partner organizations are advocates for our children’s health.

EHCC Endorsed Child Care Facilities

EHCC-endorsed facilities (center and family child care) implement and maintain 30+ simple, low-cost eco-healthy best practices. These eco-healthy changes immediately benefit the well-being of children and staff and create healthier early learning settings. Adoption of eco-healthy best practices reduces environmental hazards such as poor indoor air quality, pesticides, and harmful chemicals found in cleaning and disinfecting products. Many of these hazards are associated with poor health outcomes–asthma, learning disabilities, and cancer.

More than 2,700 facilities serving over 70,000 children have qualified as eco-healthy. 

Eco-healthy best practices include:

  • Using least-toxic pest prevention practices like eliminating food and water sources and blocking pest entryways.
  • Maintaining adequate ventilation, especially during cooking, cleaning, and art activities, by opening screened windows and doors or using a mechanical ventilation (HVAC) system.
  • Choosing fragrance-free, 3rd party-certified cleaning products (Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO®, EPA’s Safer Choice).

Spotlight on EHCC Endorsed Child Care

The Salt Lake City Children’s Center is a 5-year-old center-based child care facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, managed by Bright Horizons. The facility opened in December 2017 and became EHCC endorsed soon after its inception. The Children’s Center used the EHCC endorsement to adopt safer cleaning and disinfecting best practices, e.g., selecting 3rd party-certified cleaning products. They also upcycle items like containers, cardboard boxes, lids, etc., by allowing children to create new items. The facility adores upcycled art and frequently exhibits it or sends it home with creators.

EHCC Partners

EHCC®’s approach towards improved environmental health in child care settings has led to numerous partnerships. Partners include early learning stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions representing children’s healthy development and equity, environmental law, regulatory administration, environmental justice, and low-income communities.

EHCC’s partners help ensure child care facilities are healthy and safe by working with early learning providers to reduce staff and children’s exposure to environmental hazards. Partner activities include supporting providers in adopting eco-healthy best practices via training, resource sharing, and becoming an EHCC-endorsed provider. Learn more on our new EHCC partner page.

Día de reconocimiento a los proveedores de cuidado infantil: proveedores como promotores de la salud

Con el Día de Apreciación a los Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil® a la vuelta de la esquina (12 de mayo), es un buen momento para resaltar cómo los proveedores de cuidado infantil respaldados por Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) Y las organizaciones asociadas son defensores de la salud de nuestros niños.

Instalaciones de cuidado infantil respaldadas por EHCC

Las instalaciones respaldadas por EHCC (centro y cuidado infantil familiar) implementan y mantienen 30 mejores prácticas ecosaludables simples y de bajo costo. Estos cambios ecosaludables benefician de inmediato el bienestar de los niños y el personal y crean entornos de aprendizaje temprano más saludables. La adopción de las mejores prácticas ecosaludables reduce los peligros ambientales, como la mala calidad del aire interior, los pesticidas y los productos químicos nocivos que se encuentran en los productos de limpieza y desinfección. Muchos de estos peligros están asociados con malos resultados de salud: asma, problemas de aprendizaje y cáncer.

Más de 2,700 establecimientos que atienden a más de 70,000 niños han calificado como ecosaludable. 

Las mejores prácticas ecosaludables incluyen:

  • Usando prácticas de prevención de plagas menos tóxicas como eliminar las fuentes de agua y alimentos y bloquear las entradas de plagas.
  • Mantener una ventilación adecuada, especialmente durante las actividades de cocina, limpieza y arte, abriendo ventanas y puertas con mosquitero o usando un sistema de ventilación mecánica (HVAC).
  • Elegir productos de limpieza sin fragancia, y productos de limpieza ecológicos certificados por (Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO®, EPA’s Safer Choice).

Enfoque en el cuidado infantil respaldado por EHCC

The Salt Lake City Children’s Center (el Centro Infantil de Salt Lake City) es un centro de cuidado infantil de 5 años de antigüedad en Salt Lake City, Utah, administrado por Bright Horizons. La instalación abrió en diciembre de 2017 y recibió el respaldo de EHCC poco después de su creación. El centro infantil usó el respaldo de EHCC para adoptar mejores prácticas de limpieza y desinfección más seguras, por ejemplo, seleccionando productos de limpieza ecológicos sin fragancia. También reciclan elementos como contenedores, cajas de cartón, tapas, etc., al permitir que los niños creen nuevos elementos. La instalación adora el arte reciclado y con frecuencia lo exhibe o lo envía a casa con los creadores.

Socios de EHCC

El enfoque de EHCC® hacia mejorar la salud ambiental en entornos de cuidado infantil ha dado lugar a numerosas asociaciones. Los socios incluyen partes interesadas en el aprendizaje temprano, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y coaliciones que representan el desarrollo saludable y la equidad de los niños, la ley ambiental, la administración regulatoria, la justicia ambiental y las comunidades de bajos ingresos.

Los socios de EHCC ayudan a garantizar que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil sean saludables y seguras al trabajar con proveedores de aprendizaje temprano para reducir la exposición del personal y los niños a los peligros ambientales. Las actividades de los socios incluyen apoyar a los proveedores en la adopción de las mejores prácticas ecosaludables a través de la capacitación, el intercambio de recursos y convertirse en un proveedor respaldado por EHCC.

Obtenga más información sobre nuestra nueva página de socios de EHCC.

Obesogens–How to Avoid Exposures

kristiet_a0o04rjz on January 24, 2023

 Obesogens–How to Avoid Exposures

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

February 2023

In the U.S. today, more than 14 million children live with obesity. Obesity is more common in certain populations; Latinx and Black children have a higher prevalence because of U.S. discriminatory economic, housing, and educational systems. Many families are living in poverty, food insecure, in unsafe homes, and without health care.

Untreated, obesity is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and premature death.

The causes of obesity are complex and include genetics and socioeconomic status. Exposure to harmful chemicals found in household products, such as plastics, and cleaning and personal care items can also play a role. These chemicals are called obesogens, and they can disrupt the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of hormones that help control mood, growth, the way our organs work, metabolism, and reproduction.

Obesogens cause the body to produce more fat than it normally would. Exposure to obesogens occurs throughout the lifespan, but prenatal exposures are most sensitive to their effects and can cause obesity later in life. 

Obesogen chemicals include Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are found in everyday products such as plastic food storage containers, nonstick cookware, personal care products, cleaning supplies, flame retardants, and pesticides.

Tips to reduce exposure to obesogens:

  1. Choose fragrance-free products, e.g., cleaning, laundry, or personal care items.
  2. Avoid plastic food or water containers; select glass, pyrex, or stainless steel food/water containers.
  3. Never heat up plastic of any kind.
  4. Use cast iron or stainless steel cookware.
  5. Filter your water with a certified filter to remove lead and other harmful particles and bacteria.
  6. Eat organic produce whenever possible.
  7. Avoid flame-resistant and water-repellent carpets and furniture.

Check out our EHCC fact sheets for more eco-healthy tips to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like obesogens in your child care or home.

Obesógenos: cómo evitar las exposiciones

En los EE.UU. hoy, más de 14 millones de niños viven con obesidad. La obesidad es más común en ciertas poblaciones; Los niños latinos y negros tienen una mayor prevalencia debido a los sistemas económicos, de vivienda y educativos discriminatorios de los EE. UU. Muchas familias viven en la pobreza, con inseguridad alimentaria, en hogares inseguros e inestables y sin atención médica.

Sin tratamiento, la obesidad se asocia con una variedad de problemas de salud, que incluyen enfermedades cardíacas, diabetes y muerte prematura.

Las causas de la obesidad son complejas e incluyen la genética y el nivel socioeconómico. La exposición a sustancias químicas nocivas que se encuentran en productos domésticos, como plásticos y artículos de limpieza y cuidado personal, también puede desempeñar un papel. Estos químicos se llaman obesogens (obesógenos), y pueden alterar el sistema endocrino. El sistema endocrino está formado por hormonas que ayudan a controlar el estado de ánimo, el crecimiento, la forma en que funcionan nuestros órganos, el metabolismo y la reproducción.

Los obesógenos hacen que el cuerpo produzca más grasa de lo normal. La exposición a los obesógenos ocurre a lo largo de la vida, pero las exposiciones prenatales son más sensibles a sus efectos y pueden causar obesidad más adelante en la vida.

Los productos químicos obesógenos incluyen Bisfenol-A (BPA), phthalates (ftalatos) y per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (sustancias perfluoroalquiladas y polifluoroalquiladas) (PFAS). Estos productos químicos se encuentran en productos cotidianos, como recipientes de plástico para almacenar alimentos, utensilios de cocina antiadherentes, productos para el cuidado personal, artículos de limpieza, retardantes de llama y pesticidas.

Consejos para reducir la exposición a los obesógenos:

  1. Escoger productos sin fragancia, por ejemplo, artículos de limpieza, lavandería o cuidado personal.
  2. Evitar el plástico recipientes para comida o agua; seleccione recipientes de alimentos/agua de vidrio, Pyrex o acero inoxidable.
  3. Nunca caliente plástico de ningún tipo.
  4. Utilice hierro fundido o acero inoxidable utensilios de cocina.
  5. Filtra tu agua con un filtro certificado para eliminar el plomo y otras partículas y bacterias dañinas.
  6. Come productos orgánicos cuando sea posible.
  7. Evite las alfombras y muebles resistentes al fuego y repelentes al agua.

Consulte nuestras hojas informativas de EHCC para obtener más consejos ecosaludables para reducir la exposición a sustancias químicas nocivas como los obesógenos en su cuidado infantil o en el hogar.

Improving Ventilation & Reducing Exposure to Childhood Viruses

kristiet_a0o04rjz on December 12, 2022

Improving Ventilation & Reducing Exposure to Childhood Viruses

By Kathy Attar, Program Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

January 2023

The last few months have been challenging for families and child care providers as the flu, COVID, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have been circulating widely in most communities. The spike in RSV, COVID, and flu in children has contributed to overcrowded emergency rooms and more kids needing hospital stays than usual this time of year

How can child cares help reduce exposure to childhood viruses?

Vaccines effectively prevent serious illness from the flu, COVID, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Staying up to date on routine immunizations also helps your community. Child care providers can support families by encouraging them to follow the childhood immunization schedule. 

Preventative actions like re-locating activities (e.g., lunch) outdoors as much as possible and wearing high-quality masks can also keep children and staff healthy.

Good ventilation is another strategy that reduces the likelihood of spreading disease, as it reduces the number of virus particles in the air in child care facilities. 

Below are some tips for improving ventilation in child cares:

  • Bring in as much outdoor air as possible:
    • Open-screened windows and doors. Opening more than one window or door at a time increases the amount of outdoor air. Avoid these actions when outdoor air pollution is high or when it makes your child care too cold, hot, or humid. 
    • Use child-safe fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows. Safely secure fans in a window to blow air out and pull new air in through other open-screened windows and doors.
  • Make sure Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) settings are maximizing ventilation:
    • Consult an HVAC expert on how to reduce air recirculation, increase total airflow and disable demand-controlled ventilation controls in the system.
    • Service HVAC systems on an annual basis.
  • Filter the air:
    • Upgrade HVAC system filters. Ask an HVAC technician about upgrading the filters to MERV 13 or higher. These filters do a better job of taking all particles out of the air, including viruses.
    • Use portable air cleaners that have a high-efficiency particle filter (HEPA). Air cleaners can be used to supplement natural and mechanical ventilation (HVAC) in certain cases, e.g., when HVAC systems do not adequately ventilate or filter the air or windows/doors cannot be opened safely.

Help protect children by providing good ventilation in early care and education settings!

Ventilación y reducción de la exposición a virus infantiles

Los últimos meses han sido un desafío para las familias y los proveedores de cuidado infantil, ya que la gripe, el COVID y el RSV (virus respiratorio sincitial) han estado circulando ampliamente en la mayoría de las comunidades. El aumento de RSV, COVID y gripe en los niños ha contribuido a que las salas de emergencia estén abarrotadas y a que más niños necesiten hospitalización de lo habitual en esta época del año.

¿Cómo pueden las instalaciones de cuidado infantil ayudar a reducir la exposición a los virus infantiles?

Las vacunas previenen eficazmente las enfermedades graves causadas por la gripe, el COVID y otras enfermedades que se pueden prevenir con vacunas. Mantenerse al día con las vacunas de rutina también ayuda a su comunidad. Los proveedores de cuidado infantil pueden apoyar a las familias animándolas a seguir el calendario de inmunización infantil.

Las acciones preventivas como reubicar las actividades (por ejemplo, el almuerzo) al aire libre tanto como sea posible y usar máscaras de alta calidad también pueden mantener saludables a los niños y al personal.

Una buena ventilación es otra estrategia que reduce la probabilidad de propagación de enfermedades, ya que reduce el número de partículas de virus en el aire en las instalaciones de cuidado infantil. 

A continuación se presentan algunos consejos para mejorar la ventilación en las instalaciones de cuidado infantil: 

  • Traiga la mayor cantidad de aire exterior posible:
    • Abra ventanas y puertas con mosquitero. Abrir más de una ventana o puerta a la vez aumenta la cantidad de aire exterior. Evite estas acciones cuando la contaminación del aire exterior sea alta o cuando haga que su instalación sea demasiado frío, caliente o húmedo. 
    • Use ventiladores seguros para niños para aumentar la efectividad de las ventanas abiertas. Asegure de manera segura los ventiladores en una ventana para expulsar el aire y atraer aire nuevo a través de otras ventanas y puertas con mosquiteros abiertos.
  • Asegúrese de que los ajustes de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC) maximizan la ventilación:
    • Consulte a un experto en HVAC sobre cómo reducir la recirculación de aire, aumentar el flujo de aire total y desactivar los controles de ventilación controlados por demanda en el sistema.
    • Dar servicio a los sistemas HVAC anualmente.
  • Filtre el aire:
    • Actualice los filtros del sistema HVAC. Pregúntele a un técnico de HVAC sobre la actualización de los filtros a MERV 13 o superior. Estos filtros hacen un mejor trabajo al eliminar todas las partículas del aire, incluidos los virus.
    • Use purificadores de aire portátiles que tengan un filtro de partículas de alta eficiencia (HEPA). Los purificadores de aire se pueden utilizar para complementar la ventilación natural y mecánica (HVAC) en ciertos casos, por ejemplo, cuando los sistemas de HVAC no ventilan o filtran adecuadamente el aire o las ventanas/puertas no se pueden abrir de forma segura.

¡Ayude a proteger a los niños proporcionando una buena ventilación en los entornos de cuidado y educación de la primera infancia!

June is Healthy Homes Month

kristiet_a0o04rjz on June 9, 2022

June is Healthy Homes Month

By Hannah Wilkerson, Program Associate, Children’s Environmental Health Network

It’s Healthy Homes Month! To celebrate, take some time this June to improve the environmental health of your home or home-based child care. Healthy homes and child care sets children up to thrive. Children are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards in homes because of their developing bodies, underdeveloped immune system, and behaviors like mouthing items, crawling, sitting, and laying on the ground. 

Lead is a particularly dangerous threat to children’s health in homes. It can be found inside houses in paint, water, consumer products (e.g. toys and costume jewelry), and dust. It can also be found in contaminated outside soil.  Lead is a powerful neurotoxic heavy metal that can permanently alter a child’s life, leading to behavior and learning problems, and lowered IQ. Adult exposure can lead to reproductive issues, kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, and nerve disorders. While lead is dangerous to both adults and children, the people most at risk of exposure are those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under the age of six, because they are in a rapid state of development or nurturing a young child who is in a vulnerable state of development. 

Disparities in lead exposure exist for lower-income households and neighborhoods and Black, Latinx, and Indigenous children. These communities are more likely to live in housing that is of poor quality and near polluting industries putting them at greater risk of lead hazards.

Tips for maintaining a lead-safe home:

  • Maintain your home to minimize lead paint hazards like chipping, cracking, or peeling paint.
  • Renovate safely. If you are planning to paint, renovate or remodel a home built before 1978, use contractors certified by the EPA for lead-safe work practices
  • Test any bare soil in or around your home for lead by an EPA accredited lab. Cover bare soil with mulch or ground cover.
  • Go shoe-free inside to reduce lead-contaminated soil inside.
  • Frequently wash hands, especially after coming inside from working or playing in the yard and before eating
  • Use only cold water for drinking and cooking, especially when making baby formula, as cold water is less likely to leach lead from pipes or fixtures.
  • Test your water for lead and use water filtration devices that have been certified to remove lead (look for filters that have been tested by an accredited third-party certification body or bodies for lead reduction and particulate reduction (Class I) capabilities against both NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53, like ZeroWater’s 5-stage filtration water dispenser/pitcher or ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount filter).

To learn more about protecting children’s (and adults) health from environmental hazards in the home or home-based child care, check out the Eco-Healthy Child Care® factsheets, the newly updated Protecting Children’s Environmental Health E-Course, or the Lead-Safe Toolkit for Home-Based Child Care.

During June, you can win a Healthy Homes Prize Package by joining the Children’s Environmental Health Network’s 30th Anniversary Fundraiser. Fundraisers who complete three activities that help make their homes healthier can enter to win one Short-Term Radon Test Kit from the American Lung Association and their choice of one ZeroWater 5-stage filtration water dispenser/pitcher or ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount filter (both NSF/ANSI certified to reduce lead), plus 5% off coupon to ZeroWater store. Learn more and enter at https://bit.ly/CEHNfund30. 

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Contact

  • Children's Environmental Health Network
  • 110 Maryland Avenue NE Suite 404
  • Washington D.C. 20002
  • Phone: (202) 543-4033
  • Email: cehn@cehn.org

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