Resources for Health Professionals

Smoke from Wood-Burning

Smoke created by burning wood contains gases and particles that can harm your health when you breathe them.

Tenant Rights: Home Heat

Space heaters cause an average of 1,700 fires and 80 deaths each year. If you are using a space heater for extra heat, it is important to use it sa…

Space Heater Safety

Space heaters cause an average of 1,700 fires and 80 deaths each year. If you are using a space heater for extra heat, it is important to use it sa…

Cold Weather Safety

Outdoor winter play can be healthy and fun. Learn how to keep your family safe outdoors in cold weather.

Flame Retardants Including Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

This factsheet examines the use of PBDEs as flame retardants, their potential health impacts, and tips to reduce exposure in homes and workplaces.

Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 4: Healthy Pregnancy

In this podcast episode, we talk about how to have a healthy pregnancy with Dr. Abby Mutic (Director of the Southeast (Region 4) PEHSU) and Dr. Sus…

Arsenic in Food

Health professionals are encouraged to follow the guidance below to help navigate discussions with patients and families who are concerned about ar…

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

This factsheet highlights the sources of VOCs, their health effects, and strategies to improve indoor air quality by reducing VOC exposure.

The Unique Vulnerability of Children

This document explores why children are more susceptible to environmental hazards due to their developing systems and behaviors, offering guideline…

The Built Environment

This resource explores how urban planning and the built environment impact health, emphasizing the importance of access to green spaces, clean air,…

Soil

This document addresses health risks from contaminated soil, especially for children and gardeners, and offers tips for safe gardening practices.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans

This document covers the history, health risks, and current issues related to PCBs, advising on strategies to avoid exposure.

Pthalates

This factsheet outlines the sources and health risks of phthalates, commonly found in plastics and personal care products, and provides recommendat…

PFAS

This document highlights the widespread use of PFAS chemicals, their persistence in the environment, and health concerns, with advice on minimizing…

Pesticides

This factsheet discusses the health risks of pesticide exposure, particularly for children, and offers tips for reducing exposure in homes, gardens…

Particles and Nitrogen Oxides Environmental Exposure

This factsheet discusses the dangers of particulate matter in air pollution, its effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and ways to miti…

PAHs Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons

This document details the sources and health effects of PAHs, chemicals released during combustion, and suggests measures to limit contact.

Outdoor Air Pollution

This factsheet focuses on pollutants affecting outdoor air quality, their health impacts, and actions individuals and communities can take to reduc…

Nitrates in Food and Water

This document outlines the risks of nitrate contamination in food and water, especially for infants, and provides steps for testing and reducing ex…

Mold

This document discusses the health impacts of mold exposure in homes and provides tips for identifying, removing, and preventing mold growth.

Mercury

Mercury can be found in seafood and some consumer products, and can escape into the air easily from broken products containing mercury. Although it…

Lead

This document provides comprehensive information on the sources of lead exposure, its health effects, and strategies for prevention, emphasizing th…

Indoor Air Pollution

Particles and Nitrogen Oxides Environmental Exposure: This factsheet discusses the health impacts of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from co…

Green Cleaning

Routine cleaning can reduce dust, allergens, and chemicals in your home. When cleaning, use safer products, which are better for your health and th…

Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor

Las temperaturas calientes impactan la salud física y mental de los niños y adolescentes y su capacidad de aprender. Los signos y síntomas de enfer…

Safer Disinfection

Disinfecting high-touch surfaces can help to reduce spread of some kinds of infection but some disinfecting chemicals can harm health and make asth…

Metals: Lead, Arsenic and Mercury

Dr. Durrani presents to UCLA Pediatric Residents on case studies of treating patients with toxic metals exposure, primarily lead. Learning Objectiv…

Human Milk

This factsheet explores the benefits and potential contaminants in milk, offering recommendations for safer consumption to protect both infant and …

Food

Proper nutrition is an important part of child development. You can decrease the amount of harmful chemicals that children are exposed toin food by…

Extreme Weather

This resource explains the main routes of environmental exposure—ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—and provides strategies to minimize risk…

Exposure Routes

This resource explains the main routes of environmental exposure—ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—and provides strategies to minimize risk…

Dust

This factsheet addresses the health risks associated with household dust, which can contain harmful contaminants, and recommends cleaning practices…

Consumer Products

This document discusses potential chemical hazards in everyday consumer products, advising the use of safer alternatives and providing resources to…

Chemical Exposure

This document provides an overview of health risks from chemical exposures in everyday environments, with a focus on prevention strategies and safe…

BPA

This factsheet focuses on Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and resins. It discusses sources of BPA exposure, associated health concer…

Arsenic

This document addresses arsenic exposure, its sources (such as contaminated water and certain foods), health effects, and preventive strategies to …

Plastics

Our modern world uses a lot of plastic and most of it does not get recycled. Instead, it pollutes our environment and water. Children are exposed t…

Baby Food

This document examines the presence of heavy metals in baby food, their potential health impacts on infants, and recommendations for parents to red…

Water

Drinking water can sometimes be contaminated with many different toxic chemicals including radon, lead, nitrates, gasoline, pesticides, and PFAS. O…

Asbestos

This factsheet outlines the hazards of asbestos exposure, commonly found in older building materials. It details health risks like lung diseases an…

What are Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in enclosed spaces, even with windows and doors open. Learn more about symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning i…

Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 3: Protecting Children from the Health Effects of Wildfires

From the PEHSU National Program Office, Pediatric Environmental Health Radio highlights stories, best practices and community impacts shared by ped…

Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 1: Lead Exposure in Children

From the PEHSU National Program Office, Pediatric Environmental Health Radio highlights stories, best practices and community impacts shared by ped…

Well Water

Personal Care Products

Green Cleaning

Lead

Pest Control

Mold

Indoor Air

Active Smokers

Vaping

Second Hand Smoke

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Fact Sheet (Mobile Version)

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Fact Sheet

Management and Prevention of Childhood Lead Exposure

This webinar provides an overview of lead exposure in children, including sources and impacts. The presentation explains why universal screening fo…

Where I Live and Breathe: Reflections on How Home Environments Influence Health

Learn more about how home environments influence children’s health. Use the passcode: X3ls!n3R

Folic Acid, DNA Methylation, and Childhood Cancer

Dr. Wiemels talks about folic acid (folate), an essential vitamin. Sufficient folate is particularly important during pregnancy when a developing f…

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Program 2025 Annual Report

Overview of Accomplishments: Sowing the Seeds of Change

PCBs: A Legacy Pollutant

Learn more about PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) affect children’s health. Use the passcode: Bht2WN3%

Management of Lead Exposure During Breastfeeding

View a factsheet with more detailed guidance on the clinical management of lead during breastfeeding (from Region 10). 

Diet and Risks of Childhood Cancers

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Fact Sheet

Environmental Health Resources for School Nurses

Healthier Indoor Air, Ventilation and Filtration to Improve Children’s Health

Infection, Immune Function and Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma

Safer Spaces: Protecting Student Health on Children’s Environmental Health Day and Every Day

Environmental Health Impacts of Artificial Playing Fields and Rubber Playground Surfaces

Healthy Schools: Mercury Quick Facts for School Nurses

Describes the health effects, potential sources, and what to do if there is a mercury spill in your school.

Clinician Recommendations Regarding Return of Children to Areas Impacted by Flooding and/or Hurricanes

Children are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards. They eat, drink, and breathe more than adults on a pound for pound basis. Children are…

Uranium in Your Water?

TTHM in Your Water?

Perchlorate In Your Water?

Chemical Exposures and Childhood Cancer Risk

Pesticides and Risk of Childhood Cancers

Health Risks of Wildfires for Children – Acute Phase Guidance for Health Professionals

Wildfires expose children to a number of environmental hazards, e.g., fire, smoke, psychological stress, and the byproducts of combustion of wood, …

Summer 2022 Lecture on Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health by Stephanie Holm, MD, MPH

The WSPEHSU continues to lead efforts in bringing awareness to wildfires and their continued impact on health. Hosted by the Right Care Initiative….

Outdoor Air Quality Prescription for Prevention

Extreme Weather & Pregnancy

Climate Rx on Heat-Related Illness

Guía sobre plásticos más seguros para los proveedores de servicios de salud

Healthcare Provider Guide to Safer Plastics

Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are man-made chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors. They can affect hormones such as estrogen and testoste…

Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution and Childhood Cancer

Biology of Carcinogenesis and Childhood Cancer

Descriptive Epidemiology and Biology of Childhood Cancers

Childhood Cancer & the Environment: Prevention Opportunities

In this CHE-Alaska webinar, Dr. Mark Miller, pediatrician and director of the Childhood Cancer & the Environment project, discussed trends in c…

Una historia de salud: El cáncer infantil: La historia de Esteban

Hemos traducido “Una historia de salud sobre el cáncer infantil: La historia de Esteban ” al español para que su valiosa información es…

Los Desastres Naturales

Sweet Alternatives and Health: Guidance for Health Professionals

Low calorie sweeteners (LCS) can be used in certain patient populations. LCS contribute no calories or negligible calories in small quantities. LCS…

Lead in Consumer Products: Insights from New York City and Massachusetts

Boston Children’s Hospital and the New England Region One Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit are offering a monthly online Grand R…

Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – Emerging Pollutants in New England A White Paper

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals in production since the 1940s. They impart temperature resistance, fric…

Safer pest control methods for head lice

Safer pest control methods for head lice

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting: A Toolkit for Early Care and Education 

The Green Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Toolkit presents practical information on how to keep early care and education (ECE) environments c…

Nonstick Nuisance: Medical Monitoring for PFAS Webinar (CMEs available)

Clinicians can obtain CMEs through Michigan State University’s continuing education unit (CEU) portal.  You must register with MSU to access the vi…

Medical Monitoring for PFAS Resource List

The list includes links to medical screening guidance, water filters, and other resources for concerned patients.

Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 2: Childhood Cancer, the Environment and the Role of Community Health Workers

Erica Guerrero, MS, MPAS, PA-C, is a PA (Physician Assistant based in Region 6) in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Texas Tech Health Scienc…

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children: Guidance for Disaster Events

Disaster events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and snow storms often lead to electrical power losses, searches for alternative ways to heat, cook…

Resources on lead exposures

View Region 5’s many resources on lead exposures by visiting their website.

Investigating Environmental Contamination: A Guide for Communities

The Region 5 PEHSU recently updated  Investigating Environmental Contamination: A Guide for Communities. The guide is for community members who are…

NASEM Report on PFAS Exposure, Testing and Clinical Follow-up

Laura Anderko, PhD, RN, former co-director of the Region 3 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit – the Mid-Atlantic Center for Childr…

Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit

The Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit for healthcare providers is a mobile optimized tool that covers more than 30 environmental health topics…

Free Continuing Medical Education on Wildfires

In 2021 the Western States PEHSU released the newest A Story of Health multimedia eBook chapter “Sofia’s story: Health Effects of Wildf…

Traditional Sources of Lead Exposures in Immigrant Populations

View this factsheet for clinicians on Traditional Sources of Lead Exposures in Immigrant Populations here. 

Management of Lead Exposure During Pregnancy

View a factsheet with more detailed guidance on the clinical management of lead during pregnancy (from Region 10). 

eLearning Courses on Lead

View eLearning courses on lead here from the PEHSU National Classroom. 

Smoking

Secondhand Smoke

Recommendations on Management of Childhood Lead Exposure

Lead exposure continues to be a significant public health concern in the United States. While primary prevention is the optimal approach to address…

Indoor Air Pollution

Did you know…People spend about 90% of their time indoors where the air is usually 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

A Story of Health—Childhood Cancer: Stephen’s Story -Childhood Cancer and the Environment

A Story of Health—Childhood Cancer: Stephen’s Story is one of six FREE educational e-Book chapters /CE courses that we’ve created fo…

Plastics and Children’s Health

This Grand Rounds explores children’s heightened vulnerability to plastics throughout their lifecycle; examines the clinical and mechanistic impact…

Drinking Water from Private Wells: Risks, Barriers, and Environmental Challenge

Passcode: PXf8HZk& (Region 1)

Environmental Health: Risks, Responses, and Resilience

Ruth McDermott-Levy, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Professor & Co-Director for the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment an…

Heat Index and Health Effects of Extreme Weather

Presented by: Scott B. Crawford, M.D., FACEP, FSSH, CHSOS, Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine; Executive Director, Training and …

Health Effects of Heavy Metals in Food

Healthy food is important for a long, healthy life! But some foods contain toxic chemicals which can impact children’s brain development and health…

Keep it Outside: Mold and Human Health

Improving indoor air quality is good for the health of you and your children, especially for children with asthma. Because children spend many hour…

Children’s Health and the Impacts of Plastic

This video is part of the Prescriptions for Prevention Series. It covers ways to protect children and pregnant women from toxic chemicals in plastics.

Aire Más Limpio al Cocinar

Este video detalla cómo la cocina afecta la calidad del aire interior y ofrece métodos de ventilación para reducir la contaminación y proteger la s…

Clean Air While You Cook

Improving indoor air quality is good for the health of you and your children, especially for children with asthma. Because children spend many hour…

Heavy metals in baby foods and fruit juices

Reports of heavy metals in baby foods and fruit juices have been featured in news headlines across the United States, leaving families concerned ab…

Dr. Stephanie Holm: Wildfire smoke and children’s health

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