Youth are more profoundly affected by toxic environmental exposures than any previous generation: asthma is now the greatest reason for school absenteeism; learning, behavior and development disorders currently impact a record 12 million children; and the incidence of childhood cancers is also on the rise. Scientific studies suggest that these health problems all appear to have an environmental component. Given these increasing concerns, it is clear that the next generation has the most to lose if these hazardous exposures in our air, water and food continue unchecked and the most to gain by having the information and the confidence to help their communities prevent exposures before they happen. Though there are many environmental education programs for youth, few make the link between protecting the environment and protecting our health. Now a number of organizations around the country are beginning to help young people make this connection through various school clubs and other youth programs. Youth participants, often with the help of mentors, are creating effective environmental health projects in their neighborhoods and schools that focus on everything from air quality concerns that can trigger asthma to lead or mercury exposures that can contribute to learning problems. By empowering this next generation to serve as change agents in their communities, these organizations are helping to catalyze a new youth citizenry working to benefit both the health of their friends and families and the health of their environment. See www.iceh.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) List at least five examples of new environmental health initiatives for youth being undertaken in the U.S. nationally and regionally; and 2) Articulate the necessary components for developing a community-based youth environmental health program as part of their organizational activities.
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Youth
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Presenters will discuss programs of the Institute for Children's Environmental Health (Seattle, WA); U.S. EPA Office of Child Health Protection (Washington, DC); West Harlem Environmental Action (in conjuction with the Columbia Center on Children's Enviro
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.