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Committed to Putting Children First

Release Date: 04/18/2006
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov; En español: Lina Younes, (202) 564-4355 / younes.lina@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-April 18, 2006) Developing a new generation of pediatricians with environmental health expertise. Studying the effect of on-road emissions in asthmatic children to prevent the health impacts of air pollution. Starting a "green cleaning" program to help reduce children's exposures to environmental hazards in school. These programs are three of 14 that will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the second Children's Environmental Health Excellence Awards ceremony on April 20 in Washington, D.C.

"As both a scientist and a grandfather, I have tremendous respect for those working in the environmental sciences to ensure the safety of our most valuable resource – our children," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "On behalf of the American people, EPA applauds these individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in protecting our nation's future leaders."

EPA is honoring 14 organizations and individuals for their outstanding leadership in protecting children from environmental risks. EPA plays a major role in protecting infants and children, who are more susceptible than adults to some environmental hazards, because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing.

The 2006 Children's Environmental Health Champion Award will be presented to Dr. Philip J. Landrigan - a pioneer and leader in the field of children's environmental health. Dr. Landrigan is being recognized for his many accomplishments including his work with the Center for Children's Health and the Environment and the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at Mt. Sinai, both supported in part by EPA.

The Children's Environmental Health Awards are designed to recognize ongoing and sustainable dedication to, and notable leadership in, protecting children from environmental health risks at the local, regional, national and international level. Twenty-nine additional organizations were awarded Recognition Awards for their demonstrated commitment to protecting children from environmental health risks.

Complete list of the excellence and recognition award recipients and a description of their programs: yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/2006_CEH_Awards.htm