Parents & Caregivers

December 2010

The environment and girls’ health

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Some girls love to slather their skin with scented lotions. Some like to get a suntan, wear makeup, or dye their hair. Some love to blast loud music.

It’s all part of being a teen, right? Well, yes. But as a parent or caregiver, you can make sure that girls are careful about the products they use and the things they do.

What can you do to keep girls safe?

You should learn about things in the environment that affect girls’ health and how to deal with them. And teach girls how to take good care of themselves.

Some things to think about are:

• Sun. You may know that too much sun has been linked to skin cancer. But too much UV radiation from the sun causes other health problems, too. Remind your daughter to wear sunscreen, even in the winter! Learn more about sun safety.
• Water. Get your drinking water tested every year. If there is lead or bacteria in your water, get it removed. Read about how to make sure your water is clean.
• Air. Sometimes you have control over how clean the air is (for example, by not smoking). Other times, you won’t have control over the air (for example, on a high-ozone day). Either way, you can work to protect girls from the health effects of air pollution.
• Chemicals. Chemicals and poisons can affect how girls grow, their ability to learn, and other parts of their health. Teach girls to read labels on the products they use, and supervise any chemicals they use. Get more tips on coping with chemicals.
• Noise. Did you know that one in five teens already has hearing loss? Encourage your daughter to turn down her music, especially when wearing earphones! Check out other ways to protect hearing health.

Want to learn more about the environment and girls' health?

• Check out the girlshealth.gov section on environmental health for parents. Then, check out the girlshealth.gov section on environmental health for girls with your daughter.
• More stats, facts, and community resources can be found on the National Center for Environmental Health website.
• Read the EPA’s information on protecting children from environmental risks.

• Study Urges Teens to Cut Down on Salt
  
• Video Games Not Harmful to Most Teens: Study
  
• Many Kids Skipping Meals, Snacking Instead

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health