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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Children's Environmental Health

    A child's environment, such as where they live, learn and play, can significantly impact their health and development. Exposure to environmental hazards like mold, poor air quality or contaminated drinking water can lead to harmful health outcomes or even have long-lasting effects on physical, mental, and cognitive growth. Notably, infants and children are more at risk to experience harm from exposure to environmental hazards.

    DEHE believes that every child deserves the best start in life, and that is why children's environmental health activities are geared towards safeguarding the well-being of our young ones and creating a safer environment for generations to come! Program activities include:

    Children's Environmental Health Trainings

    The nano training on the Air Quality Index (AQI) is specifically designed for childcare providers, teachers, and other school staff. The main objective of this concise training is to educate and inform these professionals on how to take necessary precautions to keep children safe from potential outdoor air pollution hazards. The training offers valuable insights on the AQI, including what the different color categories of the index mean, and suggests ways to incorporate the AQI in the classroom. By empowering educators and staff with this knowledge, we can help reduce the negative impact of air pollution on children's health and well-being.

    Safe Spaces for Explorers

    We aim to create safe spaces for children to learn, play, and grow. We partner with the Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education (CSPECE) program to identify potential hazards in schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods, while working with communities to implement targeted solutions for cleaner air, safer water, and toxin-free environments.

    Empowering Parents, Caregivers, Educators, and Health Care Providers

    Knowledge is power! We equip parents, caregivers, educators, and health care providers with vital information on recognizing and mitigating environmental risks. Our toolkits, newsletters and resources empower them to take proactive steps to protect the children under their care.