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EPA TO STUDY CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO PERSISTENT POLLUTANTS
Release Date: 03/26/2001
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2001
EPA TO STUDY CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO PERSISTENT POLLUTANTS
Martha Casey 202-564-7842/matheny.martha@epa.gov
EPA will launch a pilot study of preschool children this spring in Ohio to examine how young children are exposed to persistent pollutants, including pesticides. Preschool children are thought to have more frequent contact with a variety of these pollutants than older children or adults because of what they eat and drink, where they spend their time and their activities. There is concern that children may be more sensitive to the toxic effects of some chemicals found in or on lawns, carpets, toys, furniture and many other items. About 260 children between 18 months and 5 years old at day care centers and individual homes will participate in the three-year study which is also being conducted in North Carolina. The agency emphasizes that additional research, beyond the pilot study, will be needed before reaching any conclusions. The National Head Start Association., the Ohio Department of Human Services, and several local child service agencies have endorsed the study. EPA has been directed under the Food Quality Protection Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 to give special attention to protecting children from environmental health risks. For more information call Ann Brown at 919-541-7818.
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