Resources for Health Professionals

Radiation Exposures and Childhood Cancers

Dr. Catherine Metayer of the Childhood Cancer and the Environment Program (CCEP) discusses the role of radiation exposure in the development of chi…

Artificial Turf and Health Impacts: Science Explainer

In this 13-minute video, Dr. Sarah Evans from Region 2 PEHSU explains the health risks and concerns associated with artificial turf, especially for…

Artificial Turf and Health Impacts: Science Snippet

In this short video, Dr. Sarah Evans from Region 2 PEHSU explains the health risks and concerns associated with artificial turf, especially for chi…

Pesticide Exposure and Child Health: New Evidence and Putting it into Practice

Grand rounds presentation from Region 10 Co-Director Dr. Catherine Karr on pesticide exposure and child health.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children and Pregnant Women: Recognition and Prevention

A Resource for Health Professionals Summary of Key Points What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a toxic, colorless, odorless, tasteless, and …

CHW News: Microplastics

This July 2026 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights microplastics and their effect on children’s health.

The Role of Environmental Health in Pediatric Oncology Clinical Practice

Dr. Nikki Wood (Children’s Mercy Kansas City) and Dr. Omar Shakeel (Texas Children’s Hospital) share their experiences bringing environmental healt…

CCEP News: Pesticides & Childhood Cancers

This June 2026 CCEP newsletter highlights pesticides and childhood cancer, with insights from parent advocate Lisa Pagán, and more.

Residential exposure to asbestos and risk of harmful health effects

Fact sheet for healthcare providers. Understand what asbestos is and it’s health effects.

What is Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting?

Understand what is green cleaning and learn how it protects health and the environment with safer products and practices.

References for Environmental Causes of Childhood Cancer Meeting

This document lists the references used in the Kids Cancer Journal, providing evidence-based information on environmental health.

Tips for Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting in Early Care and Education

Explore essential tips for green cleaning at school. Make your cleaning routine eco-friendly and effective for healthy environments.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

This document introduces the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and explains its importance for sustainable pest control.

The Healthy Schools Act (California)

Learn about the requirements and recommendations under the Healthy Schools Act (California) to ensure a safer environment for children.

Steps to a Pest-Free Indoor Environment

This poster emphasizes strategies for keeping outdoor spaces pest-free using integrated pest management techniques.

Pests- What You Need to Know

This factsheet provides essential information on pest management, emphasizing safe and effective practices.

Integrated Pest Management Resources

Emphasizing integrate pest management (IPM), this document compiles key resources for understanding and addressing environmental health risks assoc…

Introduction to Integrated Pest Management

This document serves as an introduction to environmental health concepts, focusing on understanding and mitigating health risks with preventative s…

Integrated Pest Management: Yellow Jackets

This factsheet provides strategies for managing yellowjacket infestations safely and effectively using integrated pest management principles.

Integrated Pest Management: Mosquitoes

This document details safe and effective mosquito control methods that align with integrated pest management principles.

Integrated Pest Management: Mold

This factsheet provides strategies for identifying and managing mold issues in indoor environments as part of an integrated pest management approach.

Integrated Pest Management: Ants (for Schools)

This document provides strategies for early care and education programs to manage ant infestations safely, emphasizing prevention, sanitation, and …

Integrated Pest Management: Ants (for Families)

This factsheet provides tips on effectively managing ant infestations using safe, integrated pest management practices.

Integrated Pest Management Presentation

This serves as a comprehensive toolkit for early care and education programs, detailing strategies to prevent and manage pest problems through a co…

How to Read a Pesticide Label

This poster provides step-by-step guidance on understanding pesticide labels to ensure safe and effective use.

How to Hire a Pest Management Professional Who Does IPM

This factsheet provides guidelines for selecting pest management professionals that prioritize safety and effective pest control methods such as in…

How to Choose a Safer Pesticide to Manage Pests

This poster highlights how to select safer pesticide options as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Integrated Pest Management: A Toolkit for Early Care and Education

What is Integrated Pest Management? Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a strategy to prevent and treat pest problems using a combination of pre…

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small specks of plastic material that can measure smaller than a red blood cell. Microplastics are released when plastics are exp…

Prenatal Diet and Health: A Research Journey

Use passcode: 5^?bZV2m Dr. Emily Oken obtained her MD degree at Harvard Medical School, and then did residencies in both internal medicine and pedi…

Environmental Exposures During the Prenatal and Perinatal Period and Pediatric Cancer Risk

Dr. Joseph Wiemels discusses how environmental factors such as diet, chemicals and elective c-sections relate to increased risk of childhood cancer…

Idaho Child Lead Risk Assessment and Blood Lead Testing Recommendations

Children exposed to lead are vulnerable to long-term health and developmental effects, including intellectual and behavioral deficits. Conducting l…

Healthy Schools: Improving Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Health

How to improve indoor air quality in schools, from Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty …

Idaho Lead Testing and Follow Up for Immigrants and Refugees

Lead testing recommendations for Refugee and Other Newcomer Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women Resettled in the United States (Idaho).

CCEP News: Reproductive Health & Environmental Exposures

This April 2026 CCEP newsletter highlights reproductive environmental health, with insights from Dr. Marya Zlatnik, and more.

CHW News: Unconventional Oil & Gas Production

This April 2026 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights unconventional oil and gas production and it’s effect on childr…

Marijuana and the Impact on the Pediatric Population (including Perinatal and Adolescent)

Guidance for Healthcare Providers What is Marijuana? There are many species of marijuana, including Cannabis sativa, indica and ruderalis. Marijuan…

Cannabis/Marijuana and Children’s Health

Cannabis is more available than ever, as multiple states have legalized medical and/or recreational use. With so many different types of products a…

Mental Health & Extreme Weather

Weather-related disasters and forced migration have been linked to PTSD, depression, and anxiety. As children learn more about extreme weather, we …

Sea Level Rise & Flooding

The sea level is rising more quickly due to increasing temperatures and precipitation. Sea level rise can cause flooding and pollute the water that…

Healthy Home & Asthma Training Videos

Region 7 created these instructions on how to access their Healthy Home and Asthma Training videos.

Guardians of Planetary Health: Moving Childhood Cancer Care Upstream from Day Zero

Experts from Spain discuss childhood cancer and using environmental health histories with their patients and families. Presenters are from Pediatri…

Potomac River Contamination and Children’s Health

On January 19, 2026, D.C. water officials discovered that a portion of the Potomac Interceptor, a large, 60-year-old pipeline, near the Capital Bel…

CCEP News: World Cancer Day

This February 2026 CCEP newsletter highlights World Cancer Day, with insights from  Dr. Hannah Thompson, and more.

A Story of Health—Asthma: Brett’s Story

Explore the life of Brett, a nine-year-old who lives in Southern California and is coping with asthma. A Story of Health: Asthma is one module in T…

A Story of Health—Health Effects of Wildfires: Sofia’s Story

Follow Sofia and her family as they learn how to protect themselves from the immediate and longer term health dangers of a wildfire, with a focus o…

Educational Activities for Trainings on Childhood Cancer

Learn about pesticides, consumer products, and more in these educational activities for community health workers.

Community Health Workers: Addressing Environmental Risk Factors for Childhood Cancer

In this presentation by Erica Guerrero, MS, MPAS, PA-C, a Childhood Cancer Champion, she discusses how support from community health workers can em…

Rosa and Carlos Get Married

This educational comic follows the story of Carlos and Rosa as they learn about the dangers of environmental exposures, potential health impacts, a…

Get the facts about reducing risk of childhood cancer (Power Point)

Get the facts about reducing risk of childhood cancer in this PowerPoint slidedeck designed for community health workers.

Avoiding Exposure to Solvents/VOCs

In this video by Miranda Kahn, exposure to VOCs and it’s connection to childhood cancer risk is discussed.

Love in the Time of Toxicants

This ten minute shadow puppet video tells a story about a young couple learning about the risks of toxicant exposure before conception and during p…

Germline Genetics and Childhood Cancers

Dr. Joseph Wiemels describes two main types of genetic studies and types of mutations each can illuminate. The ways that environmental exposure to …

Get the Facts About Reducing Risk of Childhood Cancer (Flip Book)

Get the facts about reducing risk of childhood cancer through this flipbook designed for community health workers.

Resource Guide for Pediatric Oncology Clinicians

This resource guide on childhood cancer and the environment is designed as an introduction to health care professional organizations that have reso…

When’s the Best Time to Start Protecting Your Child’s Health? 

Future moms and dads, if you’re considering or planning a pregnancy – start protecting your child’s health NOW. Even before your pregnancy begins –…

What You Eat Matters: Protect Your Child From Leukemia

Maternal diet during pregnancy has an important impact on the developing baby. A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, including lots of green l…

Dad’s Smoking Before Pregnancy Can Harm His Child

Maternal (mom’s) smoking during pregnancy is a well known risk factor for premature birth, birth defects, and miscarriage. Paternal (dad’s) smoking…

It’s Not Just Dust: How to Protect Your Child from Toxic Dust

Dust that settles deep inside your carpet and on the other surfaces of your house is a magnet for toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals that get…

For Latino Kids, Extra Cases of Leukemia Add Up 

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia rates are higher among Latino children in California than they are for non-Latino white children and the gap in incide…

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…

Infectious Disease

You may be at risk for diseases that are new to where you live. Climate change has been linked to the increasing geographic spread of Lyme disease,…

Nutrition

As extreme weather impacts farming, changes in our ability to access healthy foods impacts how children grow and develop.

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

Learn about the widespread use of PFAS chemicals, their persistence in the environment, related health concerns, and advice on minimizing exposure.

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.

Important Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention Tips for Families & Communities

Have a working smoke detector and CO detector in the home. It is suggested that CO detectors: Have home heating systems checked by a trained profes…

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

Learn about the risks of nitrate contamination in food and water, especially for infants, and steps for testing and reducing exposure.

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…

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

Learn about arsenic exposure and sources (such as contaminated water and certain foods), health effects, and preventive strategies to minimize risk.

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…

Low-Cost No-Cost Tips to Prevent Chemical and Heavy Metal Exposures When Selecting Toys

Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental hazards due to their developing bodies and exploratory behaviors, like mouthing objects. Plastic …

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…

CHW News: Environmental Exposures & Childhood Cancers

This December 2025 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights environmental hazards that can increase the risk of getting childh…

Evaluating the Impacts of the Environment on Pediatric Cancer Risk and Survivorship

Dr. Michael Scheurer discusses impacts of the environment on pediatric cancer risk and survivorship. Dr. Schuerer is Professor of Pediatrics at Emo…

Well Water

Learn about testing and protecting well water.

Personal Care Products

Green Cleaning

Lead

Pest Control

Mold

Indoor Air

Active Smokers

Vaping

Second Hand Smoke

Kids Activity Book: Super Kids Vs. Lead

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Fact Sheet (Mobile Version)

Minimizing children’s exposure to environmental hazards can lower risk for childhood cancer and other diseases. Learn more about how exposure to en…

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Fact Sheet

Minimizing children’s exposure to environmental hazards can lower risk for childhood cancer and other diseases. Learn more about how exposure to en…

Indoor Air Quality and Children’s Health

This webinar includes an overview of the major types of air pollutants commonly found in indoor environments, and their primary sources. It will ex…

Cancer Environment CME 2025

Dr. Hannah Thompson spoke to an in-person audience of 50 health professionals at the Cancer and Environment CME event in November 2025, hosted by C…

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…

Oil and Gas Development and Pediatric Cancers: The Latest Evidence

Dr. Nicole C. Deziel discusses oil and gas development and pediatric cancers. Dr. Deziel is an Associate Professor in Environmental Health Sciences…

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

Keeping Schools and Children Safe from Lead Exposure

In September 2025, Region 4 PEHSU just hosted a lead education webinar with the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) to teach early childcare…

Folic Acid, DNA Methylation, and Childhood Cancer

Dr. Joseph Wiemels discusses folic acid (folate), and how supplemental folate reduces risk of both childhood leukemia and brain cancers. 

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Program 2025 Annual Report

Overview of Accomplishments: Sowing the Seeds of Change

Pre-term Birth and Environmental Influences on Lifelong Health

Each year worldwide 15 million preterm births occur, most without a readily identifiable biologic cause. Preterm birth is a birth outcome that disp…

PCBs: A Legacy Pollutant

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

Wildfire Smoke Action Plan for Children with Asthma: Caregiver Toolkit

Wildfire Smoke Action Plan for Children with Asthma

Management of Lead Exposure During Breastfeeding

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

Identifying & Caring for Lead-Exposed Children: The Basics for Health Care Providers

This short video is intended to educate healthcare providers on basic management of children with elevated blood lead levels. This was funded and d…

Blood Lead Testing Guidance for Refugees & Other Newcomer Youth Resettled to the U.S.

This short video is intended to educate healthcare providers caring for refugee & other newcomer youth in identifying and managing lead exposur…

Sources of Lead in Our Environments & Practical Tips to Prevent Exposure

Lead 101 for Families with Young Children

This short video is intended to educate families on the basics of childhood lead exposure. This was funded and developed in partnership with the Wa…

Detect and Protect: A Lead Safety Activity Book

Diet and Risks of Childhood Cancers

Dr. Catherine Metayer explores the link between childhood cancer and diet, and how nutrition can impact children’s health.

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Information from New England PEHSU

Happy, healthy, lead-free me!

Lead is a poison that harms nearly every part of a child’s body, especially the brain. Simple steps can help keep your child lead-safe.

Kontan, an sante, epi mwensan plon!

Plon se yon pwazon ki nuizib pou prèske chak pati nan kò yon timoun, espesyalman sèvo a. Kèk etap senp kapab ede kenbe pitit ou san plon.

Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures: Nutrition

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. This video focuses on nutrition and how well balanced meals can help redu…

Reducing Childhood Lead Exposure: Leave Shoes at the Door

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. In this video, you will learn why it is important to leave shoes and dirt…

Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures: Wash Toys and Hands Frequently

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. In this video, you will learn about washing hands and toys frequently.

Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures: Damp Mop and Dust

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. In this video, you will learn how to clean to reduce lead exposures.

Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures: Peeling Paint

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. In this video, you will learn how to protect your home from peeling lead …

Introduction to Reducing Childhood Lead Exposure

This video is part of the Reducing Childhood Lead Exposures video series. In this video, you will be learn how children are exposed to lead.

Environmental Health Resources for School Nurses

Magic in the Wild Coloring Book

A coloring book to encourage children to think about the interconnectedness of the world around them.

Healthy Schools: Know Your Air Quality

Healthier Cleaning Supplies and Practices to Protect Children’s Health

Explore healthier cleaning supplies and practices to protect children’s health and ensure safer environments at home and school.

Breaking the Chain of Infection to Protect Children’s Health

Learn effective strategies for breaking the chain of infection in schools and communities with proper cleaning practices.

Healthier Cleaning Product Selection to Protect Children’s Health

Explore the healthier cleaning product selection that promotes a safer environment for families and communities.

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

Explore how healthier indoor air contributes to children’s health and well-being in schools and homes.

Infection, Immune Function and Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma

Dr. Wiemels discusses how exposure and reactions to common infections can influence a child’s risk of leukemia. “Training” immune systems with meas…

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

How to Read a Cleaning/Disinfecting Product Label

Learn how to read a cleaning product label to ensure safe use in your home and community. Get informed and stay healthy.

What’s the Problem With Bleach?

Understand the potential problem with bleach in schools and homes. Learn safe cleaning practices for healthy environments.

What’s So Great About Microfiber?

Discover what’s so great about microfiber for cleaning. Learn how it can help maintain healthy homes and schools.

Ten Reasons to Have a Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Program in Your ECE Facility

A green cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting program in ECE reduces germs, allergens, toxic chemicals and pests.

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

Get your green cleaning checklist ready to promote healthy homes and schools with eco-friendly cleaning practices.

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: A Curriculum for Early Care and Education (Second Edition)

This Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit will help you make changes in your early care and education (ECE) program so you can bett…

Hand Washing (Early Childcare)

Hazard Communication in Early Childcare Education

Breaking the Chain of Infection in Early Care and Education

Explore strategies to prevent infection early in child care settings for healthier families and communities.

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfection: Presentation for Schools

Learn why it is important for schools to use green cleaning methods and protect children’s health.

A Healthy Homes Resource Guide for Families

A Healthy Homes resource guide for families – 8 principles to help guide your home’s health and safety.

Healthy Homes: Identifying and Reducing Asthma and Allergy Triggers in the Home

Discusses common allergens and irritants that can cause asthma to worsen and ways to reduce exposure to these triggers.

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.

Healthy Schools: Ventilation in Schools

Answers common questions about ventilation and improving indoor air quality in schools.

Healthy Schools: HVAC Systems: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

This factsheet explores 4 important concepts to consider when a school is choosing or assessing its current HVAC system.

Healthy Housing: Outdoor Lead Exposure

Describes ways to reduce outdoor lead exposure when it may be in your yard for families and pets, and additional resources.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Safe

Basic tips for improving the safety of your home especially for children.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Ventilated

Explains good ventilation in a home and ways to reduce harmful substances to improve indoor air quality.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Maintained

Highlights key focus areas to keep your home in good condition for health and safety now and in the future.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Pest Free

Provides tips for reducing, eliminating, and preventing pests in the home.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Dry

Explains how moisture in the home can lead to mold growth and ways to reduce humidity, moisture, and mold issues.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Comfortable

Provides guidance on keeping a home comfortable including heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Healthy Housing: Keep it Clean

Importance of regularly cleaning a home to reduce the risk of harmful exposures and pests, as well as, improving health by using safer products and…

Healthy Housing: Keep it Contaminant-Free

Identifies frequent harmful household contaminants and reinforces the need for regular cleaning and teaches about safer products in the home.

Healthy Horizons: Addressing Environmental Health for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities

Healthy Horizons: Addressing Environmental Health for Children with Disabilities provides an overview of the impact of environmental health factors…

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?

Learn about risk of exposure to uranium in your drinking water.

TTHM in Your Water?

Learn more about total trihalomethanes (TTHM), a group of disinfection byproducts, and what happens when an excess amount is found in drinking wate…

Perchlorate In Your Water?

Learn about how to protect yourself when there is Perchlorate in your water. Perchlorate is an industrial chemical found in rocket fuel, fireworks,…

Chemical Exposures and Childhood Cancer Risk

Dr. Catherine Metayer discusses the importance of reducing paint exposure, especially oil-based paints, around the time of conception and during pr…

Pesticides and Risk of Childhood Cancers

Dr. Metayer presents data from epidemiologic studies around the world, showing pre- and postnatal exposures to residential and agricultural pestici…

CHW News: PFAS and Our Health

This June 2025 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights PFAS and children’s health.

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, …

Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke in the Pacific Southwest

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

Keep Kids Healthy by Preparing for a Natural Disaster

Flood Ready Part 2: Owly explains flood risks for children

Flood Ready Part 1: Owly explains flood risks for children

Extreme Weather & Pregnancy

Heat-Related Illness

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…

Artist Miranda Kahn Explains Childhood Cancer

This video by Miranda Kahn is intended to create awareness of the role of pre-conception and prenatal environmental influences on the development o…

Nutrition and Risks of Pesticides and Solvents/VOCs

This short informational video talks about nutrition and the risks of pesticides and solvents.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition in Preventing Disease

This short informational video talks about nutrition and disease prevention.

Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution and Childhood Cancer

Dr. Metayer discusses how air pollution contains known carcinogens linked to increased risk of several children’s cancers.

Biology of Carcinogenesis and Childhood Cancer

Dr. Joseph Wiemels discusses carcinogenesis and childhood cancer. In carcinogenesis, normal cells transform into cancer cells.

Descriptive Epidemiology and Biology of Childhood Cancers

Drs. Metayer and Wiemels show how the burden of childhood cancers varies by racial and ethnic group, suggesting contributions from environment and …

Childhood Cancer & the Environment: Prevention Opportunities

Dr. Mark Miller discusses trends in childhood leukemia incidence and survivorship, and how our knowledge about childhood cancer and environmental e…

Avoiding Exposure to Pesticides

In this short informational video, learn more about how to avoid children’s exposure to pesticides and reduce the risk of childhood cancers.

Sun Safety

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

PFAS and health factsheet

Protecting yourself, your family, and your community from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances & how to stay safe from possible contamination.

PFAS Drinking Water Standards in New England

View a visual of PFAS drinking water standards in New England.

Keeping PFAS Off Your Plate

PFAS are a category of chemicals that are harmful to human health. We can come into contact with PFAS through our diets. Learn more about the steps…

Rx for Prevention: Safer Pest Control

Pests in Your Home

Do you have cockroaches, mice, rats, ants, bedbugs or other pests in your home? Dust or droppings from these indoor pests can worsen allergies, ast…

Rx for Prevention: Mold

Tips for a Healthy Home Humidity in the home

Humidity is the amount of water or moisture in the air. It can affect your child’s health in many ways, especially if they have asthma or allergies.

Mold in Your Home

Mold is a fungus that grows in areas where there is water, dampness or high humidity. It can cause a musty and sour smell. Mold may be found in bat…

Rx for Prevention: Lead Paint

Lead paint dust in older homes is the main way children are exposed to lead. Even low levels of lead can affect a child’s learning and behavi…

Extreme Heat Safety for Athletes

View the full resource by clicking on View Resource to the right.

Extreme Heat Safety during Pregnancy

It is harder for pregnant women to stay cool during hot days. Overheating – especially during the first trimester – can have health eff…

Extreme Heat Safety for Children

Extreme heat days are becoming more common. When it’s hot, children are more in danger than adults of becoming dehydrated.

Extreme Heat Safety for Babies

Extreme heat days are becoming more common. When it’s hot, babies are more in danger than adults of becoming dehydrated. View the full resource by …

Extreme Weather Information

Extreme weather events are a health risk for child safety, physical and emotional health. View the full resource by clicking on View Resource to th…

Natural Disasters

Unique Vulnerabilities During Pregnancy

Childhood Leukemia & the Environment

Improving Environmental Health Literacy of Young Adults

A project of the Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Leukemia and the Environment (CIRCLE) Community Outreach and Translation Core (COTC) …

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Program 2024 Annual Report

Highlights of where we have been and how our collaborative work during 2024 has rippled out beyond our expectations.

Is the Air Safe to Play?

This NW PEHSU infographic offers practical activity guidance during times of poor air quality. 

Recognizing Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Children

This NW PEHSU factsheet is for healthcare providers interested in learning about early recognition of acute pesticide poisoning, clinical managemen…

UW Medicine Webinar: Smokey Air Threatens Children’s Health

In this short video, Dr. Catherine Karr talks about how wildfire smoke can affect a child’s health and describes simple steps for families to take …

Bureaucratic Barriers to Clean Environment for Native Americans Don’t Hold Water

The Mountain West is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. But beneath the picturesque landscape lies major envir…

Arsenic fact sheet

Arsenic Is Dangerous To Children… All poisons can affect children differently. Infants and young children are more likely to place contaminated obj…

Sun Exposure & Children

The Sun Can Be Harmful… Children have thinner, more sensitive skin that is easily damaged by the harmful ultraviolet (UV) light of the sum. Childre…

Asthma: What Is It?

Asthma is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. Asthma cannot be cured. You have asthma even when you feel fine and your asthma can get …

Healthy Schools: Improving Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Health

This video provides information on how to improve indoor air quality in school buildings and classrooms including reducing indoor contaminants.

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…

Radon awareness—the hidden danger

This short video describes the importance of having one’s home tested for radon and taking necessary steps to reduce levels if present.

Environmental Health Guide for Renters

This tenant’s self-help guide was designed to fill information gaps and educate tenants (and owners) when facing environmental hazards in their hom…

A Healthy Homes resource guide for families

A Healthy Homes resource guide for families – 8 principles to help improve your home’s health and safety. 

Got Lead? Don’t Panic!

If your home contains lead and remediation is not an option, there are still things that you can do to protect yourself and your family.

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…

Healthcare Provider Hurricane Preparedness

Responding to Benton Harbor: a public health overview of lead exposures

Susan Buchanan, MD, with the UIC School of Public Health and the Great Lakes Center for Reproductive and Children’s Environmental Health offe…

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…

Green Cleaning Factsheet

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…

LeadRx for Massachusetts (Haitian Creole)

Resous Edikasyon Adapte pou Redui Ekspozisyon Plon ak Swen pou Timoun, Moun Ansent ak Fanmi Edisyon Massachusetts (Kreyòl Ayisyen)

LeadRx for Massachusetts (English)

Tailored Educational Resources to Reduce Lead Exposure and Care for Children, Pregnant Individuals and Families Massachusetts Edition (English)

Lead

Lead-contaminated paint dust is the most common source of childhood lead exposure. There is no safe level of lead in our bodies. Lead can affect yo…

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. 

Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Smoking

Secondhand Smoke

Radon

Second Hand Smoke and E-Cigarettes

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas produced by the burning of various fuels, especially natural gas, coal/charcoal, wood…

Air Quality & Allergens in Your Home

Poor air quality impacts our health. Children and people with medicalconditions that affect breathing, like asthma, are at a higher risk.Depending …

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…

Wildfire Smoke Factsheet

Children are especially vulnerable tohealth effects during wildfires due to theirdeveloping lungs and other factors. View the full factsheet by cli…

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.

Wildfires and Mask Use

Wildfire season is growing and wildfires are becoming more severe and frequent because of climate change. Using appropriate masks correctly is an i…

Protecting Kids from Wildfire Smoke: Actions for CA Schools

A Story of Health—Childhood Cancer: Stephen’s Story

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

Learn about health concerns related to private wells– use passcode: PXf8HZk& to view this Grand Rounds recording from PEHSU Region 1 for …

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 …

Developmental and Infectious Causes of Childhood Cancer

Dr. Joseph Wiemels discusses his research on genetics and environmental factors linked to increased risk of childhood cancers such as leukemia. Dr….

CHW News: Pesticides

This February 2025 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights pesticides and it’s effect on children’s health.

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…

CHW News: What Can We Do About Increasing Rates of Childhood Cancer?

This November 2024 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights increasing rates of childhood cancer.

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…

CHW News: Why are children at greater risk for exposure to environmental hazards?

This September 2024 bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) newsletter highlights environmental hazards and their effect on children’s health.

Tenant’s Self Help Guide

This guide was created for the Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (MAPEHSU) in conjunction with Washington University’s Inte…

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.

Childhood Cancer & the Environment Program 2023 Annual Report

Highlights of where we have been and our collaborative work in 2023.

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…

Asthma & Allergens

Climate change creates longer, stronger pollen seasons, which can trigger asthma and make it harder to breathe. Extreme temperatures caused by clim…

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

Asbestos