February is National Cancer Prevention Month

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

By Kathy Attar, MPH, Engagement Manager, Eco-Healthy Child Care®

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S. Reducing children’s exposure to harmful chemicals like pesticides can help lower their risk of getting cancer.⁠

Children may be exposed to pesticides by: playing on treated floors, lawns, and play structures; eating pesticide-treated foods; or drinking contaminated water. When pesticides are applied indoors as a spray or aerosol, small droplets can end up on carpets, floors, toys and other surfaces. Children then come into contact with these droplets by crawling or mouthing objects.

To lower pesticide exposures and control pests in your child care facility use Integrated pest management (IPM). ⁠IPM is an effective, environmentally sensitive and affordable strategy to control pests and weeds. IPM uses pest prevention practices like eliminating food and water sources and blocking entryways as ways to reduce chemical pesticide use. IPM gives you the tools to create your own plan of action.⁠

Many pesticides can take a very long time to break down. They can persist indoors for weeks on furniture, toys and other surfaces and for years in household dust. Pesticide levels in indoor air are often higher than those found in outdoor air.

Find out more information about IPM and pesticide exposures in EHCC’s newly updated pesticides fact sheet.⁠

To protect ALL children’s health, we must move beyond individual changes towards broader systems change. Our learning, health, and work sectors must adopt practices and policies to reduce toxic chemicals exposures.  

A 30%+ increase in the rate of childhood cancer diagnoses since 1975, has led scientists, health professionals, businesses, and advocates to form The Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative whose goal is to highlight the link between environmental factors and children’s health and bring about cross-sector policy change. 

The Initiative released a new report: Childhood Cancer: Cross-Sector Strategies for Prevention that calls for the establishment of a National Childhood Cancer Prevention Research Agenda and National Childhood Cancer Prevention Plan to eradicate toxic chemicals linked to childhood cancers.

You can help make a change by supporting The Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative–sign their letter of support today! ⁠

Share:

More Posts

Child spraying bug repellent on their arm--

Cómo evitar de forma segura las picaduras de insectos

Use protector solar mineral, ropa ligera y mosquiteros; evite DEET en bebés, siga las etiquetas y elija repelentes más seguros siempre que sea posible–Use mineral sunscreen, light clothing and mosquito nets, avoid DEET on babies, follow the labels and choose safer repellents whenever possible.

Child in PJs stands on crib mattress with a teddy bear in the background

Sustancias químicas en colchones de cunas/colchonetas para bebés

Los colchones para bebés pueden liberar químicos tóxicos. Opte por opciones orgánicas sin retardantes ni PVC para reducir riesgos a la salud infantil–Baby mattresses can release toxic chemicals. Opte for organic options without retardants or PVC to reduce risks to children’s health.

Two small children mix eggs into batter in a kitchen--- PFAS in Child Care

Preocupaciones con el PFAS y la salud de los niños

Los PFAS son químicos tóxicos duraderos que afectan nuestra salud. Evítalos filtrando el agua, usando productos sin teflón y evitando empaques grasosos–PFAS are durable toxic chemicals that affect our health. Avoid them by filtering water, using Teflon-free products and avoiding greasy packaging.

PVC Dolls in pink outfits lean on each other in front of a white background-- PVC Dolls and Children's Health

Cómo reducir la exposición de los niños a las muñecas de PVC

El plástico de PVC puede contener plomo y productos químicos tóxicos. Evite las muñecas de PVC – opte por algodón o lana. Busque el código de reciclaje #3 para evitar el PVC y mantener los juguetes de plástico fuera de la boca de los niños–PVC plastic can contain lead and toxic chemicals. Avoid PVC dolls – opt for cotton or wool. Look for recycling code #3 to avoid PVC and keep plastic toys out of children’s mouths.