The more we learn about toxic chemicals, the more we realize they are everywhere. They are in our air, our water and our soil. They are in the products we buy and use at home and at work. There are about 80,000 chemicals in use in the U.S. today and while many of them have added to our quality of life, the effects on our health from thousands of these chemicals is simply not known.

Infants and children are a special concern – they tend to have greater exposures because pound for pound, children breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food than adults. Also just being kids – putting their hands and toys in their mouths, playing on the ground – exposes children to toxics in a way adults aren't.

We know that many toxic chemicals have neurological and developmental effects on children. Others are suspected of having these same effects. An estimated 17% of children in the U.S. have a developmental disability. While the link between this disability and toxics is not entirely clear, we know that pre-natal exposure to chemicals like lead, mercury, and PCBs can cause deficits in the way our kids learn and behave – and the effects are permanent.

We also know that even though childhood asthma rates are leveling off, Washington has a much higher rate than the nation as a whole. It's triggered or made worse by toxics in the air we breathe, like particulates from diesel cars, trucks and off-road equipment, and from outdoor burning.

Just as we all share the same environment, we all have one or more roles to play given the decisions we make and the actions we take. Even though infants and children are our primary concern, businesses are very important in the larger environmental picture. If you represent a business, get more information about environment-friendly practices or regulatory requirements.

WHAT YOU CAN DO - Learn more about simple things you can do to reduce toxic exposure.

• If you manage a business - learn about dangerous waste regulations and best management practices
• If you work with children - explore resources for kids and the adults who care for them
• If you are a parent or grandparent - learn more about reducing toxic exposure
• 10 simple things we all can do

WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING - Learn more about Ecology programs that are focused on reducing the threat of toxic exposure.

Public Participation Grants provide funding to citizen groups and not-for-profit public interest organizations to provide public involvement in monitoring the cleanup of contaminated sites and prevent pollution by reducing or eliminating waste at the source. An application period is usually opened once each year. Please check for exact dates.

CONTACTS

Michael Bergman
Toxics Educator
Dept of Ecology
(360) 407-6243

The Dept of Ecology's Hazardous Substance Information and Education Office (HSIEO)