We are losing the battle for children’s health in several critical areas

We have now a better understanding about the complex interplay between our health, especially our children’s health, and our environment. This relationship is more dynamic and more subtle than we ever imagined. Environmental threats to our children appear to be disrupting this relationship in a potentially destructive manner that can limit our children’s development into fully functioning adults in our society.

Without a clear cause, asthma is reaching epidemic levels. Nearly one in 13 school-aged children has asthma, and the rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children than in any other age group. Among persons under the age of 20, the prevalence of asthma increased by 42% between 1980 and 1987. Environmental threats, especially air pollution, are contributing to or exacerbating asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Our air quality has significantly improved but not enough in the several critical areas such as ozone, fine particulate matter and irritants such as formaldehyde.

Cancer rates in children are also inexplicably on the rise. While the chances of surviving cancer have never been better, the battle leaves a permanent scar on our children and an ominous threat of a relapse that follows them for the rest of their lives. We have achieved substantial reductions in exposure to potential carcinogens but several scientists have suggested that cancer rates are linked to developmental problems caused by other environmental threats.

While environmental programs are already focused on asthma and cancer, there is compelling, new evidence that increasing neurological and developmental problems in children and reproductive problems in adults may have roots in environmental threats. We have seen significant impacts from heavy metals such as lead and are beginning to suspect that the impacts of mercury are more pervasive than anticipated.

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