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Champions of Children’s Health Honored

Release Date: 10/23/2008
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(10/23/08) Protecting children from environmental risks is critical because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing. EPA is paying tribute to 12 champions in children’s environmental health for their outstanding leadership in protecting children from environmental risks at the local, regional, national and international level.

The 2008 champions exemplify strong commitment to children’s environmental health. Accomplishments include identifying high blood-mercury levels in adult New Yorkers leading to a national focus on fish consumption by women of child-bearing age and their children; minimizing the number of migrant workers and their children who are exposed to environmental hazards in Virginia; addressing the threat of lab chemicals in Nebraska high schools; and building capacity to protect children from environmental hazards in tribal communities.

EPA is also recognizing national and international champions in 2008. Dr. Melanie Marty, Chief, Air Toxicology and Epidemiology Branch Cal/EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has been instrumental in making California a leader in raising awareness about environmental health risks to children. Dr. Jenny Pronczuk de Garbino, Pediatrician, Medical Officer, and Toxicologist with the World Health Organization, has provided the world with crucial information about the environmental influences on children’s health in developing countries.

List of the champions and a description of their programs: https://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/2008_CEH_Awards.htm