Healthy Planet = Healthy Kids

September 18-24 is National Pollution Prevention Week. Pollution Prevention (P2) eliminates waste before it is created and before it can pollute our air and water. This year’s theme is Healthy Planet=Healthy Kids. Clean air, pure water, and safe food are essential to keep children healthy and strong. P2 is a safe and cost effective way of reducing environmentally related health problems for children. Schools, health care organizations, businesses, communities, and parents can undertake a number of simple preventive measures to address environmental health threats to children. 

To test your knowledge on environmental issues or to share an activity with your children, visit Environmental News Network (ENN) .  ENN offers a variety of quizzes to test your knowledge on topics such as the environment, alternative energy, ecology, and endangered species. 
 

Mercury in NH Freshwater Fish

Children are sensitive to mercury because their nervous systems are still developing and mercury easily passes into their brains where it interferes with normal development. The NH Dept. of Health & Human Services recommends that children under six years of age should only consume one 3 oz serving of fish per month.  Women of childbearing age should only consume one 8 oz serving/month.  Other consumers should only consume four 8 oz. servings/month. When you eat freshwater fish, choose young, small fish instead of large, older fish, which will have accumulated more mercury.

To reduce the amount mercury being released into the environment, dispose and recycle mercury-containing products properly so they are not incinerated or buried in a landfill, purchase mercury-free products, and learn how to clean up a mercury spill safely.

For more information on the NH Fish Advisory, contact NH Dept. of Health & Human Services at 800-852-3345 x4664. 

Children’s Exposure to Pesticides

Infants and children are especially sensitive to pesticides for several reasons: their internal organs are still developing; in relation to their body weight, children eat and drink more than adults, increasing their exposure; and children play on floors or lawns or put objects in their mouths, increasing exposure. Effects of pesticides include chronic headaches, brain and nerves disorders, damage to liver and kidneys, cancer, and damage to the immune system. Is a greener lawn or flawless fruit worth the possible risks?

Eliminate pesticides by using organic alternative products or trying integrated pest management techniques.  If you do choose to use a pesticide, read the label before you use it. Reduce the amount of pesticide by only using it in selective areas. Use these products only according to label directions and store them safely out of children’s reach.  Do not use them when children are present or when food or toys are nearby. 

For more information on pesticides and management of pesticides, contact the NH Dept of Agriculture at (603) 271-8830. 

Lead Poisoning 

One in eleven children in America has high levels of lead in their blood. The long-term effects of lead in a child can be severe and include learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, and even brain damage. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help protect your family.

1) Get your child tested.  2) Clean floors, windowsills, and toys frequently.  3) Wash children’s hands before meals, naptime and bedtime. 4) Don’t burn painted wood. 5) Don’t remove lead paint yourself; hire a professional. 6) Don’t track lead dust home from work. 7) Have your drinking water tested. 8) Eat right.  A child who gets enough iron and calcium will absorb less lead.

For more information on lead poisoning, contact the NH Dept. of Health and Human Services at (603) 271-8128, email llivstone@dhhs.state.nh.us. 

Air Pollution 

The average person take about 20,000 breaths a day, processing 3,000 gallons of air, or almost 2 gallons of air per minute. Children are at the greatest risk from air pollution: they breathe in far more air per pound of body weight than do adults, and their respiratory systems are still developing. Diseases aggravated by air pollution include chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies. Air pollution also contributes to pulmonary problems in developing fetuses and young children.

Everyone can help reduce air pollution. 1) Keep your car maintained properly to run cleaner and more efficiently. 2) Find alternatives to driving, like carpooling, public transit and walking. 3) Combine driving trips to save gas, vehicle wear-and-tear and reduce emissions. 4) Shop for reduced-emissions products such as paints, cleaning supplies and personal care products. 5) Practice energy efficiency at home to reduce power plant emissions.

For more information on air pollution, contact Michele Andy at (603) 271-1390, or by email at michele.andy@des.nh.gov.