CDC Features - Children’s Environmental Health

CDC Features - Children’s Environmental Health

Children’s Environmental Health

Use the Tracking Network to learn how the environment might be affecting children’s health.

As parents and kids get ready for cold and flu season, it’s also a good idea to be aware of your environment and how it might be affecting children’s health.
The environment affects children differently than adults. Because their bodies are still growing, children are at greater risk if they are exposed to environmental contaminants. Contaminants are anything that can cause something to become unclean, polluted, or not pure. They can be found anywhere and some are unsafe.
CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network brings together data and information on children’s health. On the Tracking Network, you can learn

• reasons why children are at greater risk for health effects from environmental contaminants,


• how exposures to environmental hazards can affect a child’s growth and development, and


• ways to protect children from environmental exposures so they can live safer, healthier lives.

A toddler playing in dirt contaminated with high levels of lead can become sick from lead poisoning. A child with asthma playing outside when the air quality is bad may have an asthma attack. Environmental hazards are not just outside, but can also be found inside a child's home or school. Visit the Tracking Network today to explore the data and learn more about children’s environmental health.

Children’s Environmental Health Information on the Tracking Network

Asthma (Tracking | Prevention)
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that carry oxygen in and out of the lungs. It is a major chronic health problem for children.
Childhood Cancers (Tracking | Prevention)
The most common childhood cancers are leukemias, cancers of the blood cells. Brain and other nervous system cancers are the second most common types of childhood cancers.
Lead (Tracking | Prevention)
Childhood lead poisoning is preventable. Lead poisoning can make your child sick and even cause developmental problems.
Developmental Disabilities (Tracking | Prevention)
Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments.
Socioeconomic Conditions (Tracking)
Socioeconomic factors, such as education, occupation, and income, are conditions that may affect how children live.