Children's Health Protection
Children’s Health Month 2009: Healthy Living; Healthy Learning; Healthy Environments
Day-by-Day Environmental Protection
October 1
Climate and
Health Basics
Learn how climate change may affect the health of children, and how reducing
energy helps the climate, air pollution, and the health of children.
October 2
Reduce Indoor Asthma
Triggers
Keep homes, schools, and child care centers clean. Control common asthma
triggers such as cockroaches, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and secondhand
smoke. Call 1-866-NO-ATTACKS.
October 3
Protect Children from
Lead
Have your child tested for lead by their health care provider or
your local health department. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or
breathing in lead paint chips and dust. Lead also can be found in some
household plumbing and water service lines.
October 4
Keep Planet Earth Livable
Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces
pollution.
October 5
Keep Our Air
Breathable
Encourage fitness, reduce traffic and reduce air pollution – all at the same
time. Instead of driving, walk, bike, and use public transportation when
possible.
October 6
What Children Need to Know
about Climate and Health
Find out about the campaign to empower those in middle and high school to
learn about and take action on climate change.
October 7
International Walk to School Day
Join the movement! Last year, communities in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and more than 40 countries participated.
October 8
Reduce Mercury in Your Home and in
Landfills
Safely dispose of products, such as thermostats, fluorescent lamps, and
button batteries that may contain mercury. Contact your state health or
environment department to learn the details.
October 9
Reduce
Your Use of Plastic Bags and Bottles
Take reusable bags to the grocery store and other shopping places. Carry a
reusable bottle for water.
October 10
Promote Food
Safety
Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and peel them whenever
possible to reduce dirt, bacteria, and pesticides.
October 11
No pests and
fewer pesticides
Store food and trash in closed containers. Use baits and traps when you can
and place them where kids can't get them. If pesticides are used, read and
follow the label.
October 12
Is There Lead
in Your Drinking Water?
If you want to know if your home’s drinking water contains unsafe levels of
lead, have your water tested. Testing is the only way to confirm if lead is
present or absent. For more information on testing your water, call EPA’s Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
October 13
Grow Your Own Food
Even a small garden is good for children, good for everybody. Planting a
backyard garden with your kids is a good way to connect with nature – and a
great way to have a ready supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.
October 14
Calcula
te
Your Carbon
Footprint
One good step to reducing energy is being aware of how much you use.
October 15
Use Water Efficiently
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, and teach children to do the
same.
October 16
Watch Out for Lyme
disease
Lyme disease is spread by ticks. Children are especially vulnerable to tick
bites because they tend to play outside and close to the ground. Children from
five to ten years old get Lyme disease more often than older children and
adults.
October 17
Test Your Home for
Radon
Test your home for radon, and get expert help if the radon level is 4pCi/L or
higher. Call your state radon office or 1-800-SOS-RADON.
October 18
One Way to Prevent
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Install a CO alarm that meets UL, IAS, or Canadian standards in
all sleeping rooms.
October 19
Ozone:
Good Up High, Bad Nearby
Check the air quality forecast in your area. At times when the ozone is
forecast to be unhealthy, limit physical exertion outdoors. In many places,
ozone peaks in mid-afternoon to early evening.
October 20
Prevent Asthma
Attacks
Learn what triggers your child's asthma. Work with a health
professional to develop an asthma management plan. Call 1-866-NO-ATTACKS.
October 21
Get Kids Outdoors
Play in the park, walk in the forest, and teach them about our natural
world.
October 22
Protect Children from
Secondhand Smoke
Don't smoke or let others smoke in your home or car. Take the
Smoke-Free Home Pledge by calling 1-866-SMOKE-FREE.
October 23
Spread the Word
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for the environment
and good for children’s health because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and
air pollution.
October 24
More Ways to Prevent Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning
Check that fuel-burning appliances, furnace flues, and chimneys are working
correctly. Never use gas ovens or burners for heat. Never use charcoal grills
indoors. Never run generators or mowers indoors. Never sleep in rooms
with unvented gas or kerosene heaters.
October 25
Reduce
Exposure to Chemical Residues
Always wash children’s hands before they eat or nap. Wash their stuffed
animals and toys often. Regularly clean floors, window ledges, and other
surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and pesticide residues.
October 26
Reduce Risks from
Lead in Drinking Water
Run cold water until it becomes as cold as it can get. Use only
cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula.
October 27
Heat and Cool
Wisely
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and
cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
October 28
Learn
about the sources of chemicals in schools
Chemicals are used throughout any school system. Find out how
your child’s school uses and stores chemicals.
October 29
Reduce Exposure to Air
Pollution
Find out when outdoor air pollution is high in your area from newspapers, TV
or radio stations. Limit outside activities when the Air Quality Index rises to
unhealthy levels.
October 30
Reduce Their Exposure to
Diesel Exhaust
Urge schools to stop unnecessary bus idling, retrofit bus
engines to reduce diesel exhaust, and replace the oldest buses in the fleet.
October 31
Protect Children from
Mold
Fix moisture problems and thoroughly dry wet areas such as carpets, walls,
and ceiling tiles within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Fix leaky plumbing
and other water problems in your home.