Environmental Health Center

Our children are intimately connected to our environment: all health is environmental health. Healthy land, air, and water can produce healthy food and healthy, active children. We've made a lot of progress in children's health in the last fifty years. But think about some of the health problems that have been worsening in our children during that same time: asthma, ADHD, autism, diabetes, hypertension, allergies, hypospadius, testicular dysgenesis, obesity, and a number of childhood cancers, for example.

They haven't been getting worse so quickly because of our genetics. They haven't gotten worse because our medical technology has deteriorated. Each worsening problem can be linked to unhealthy interactions with unhealthy food, water, air, land, or with the chemicals with which we have been polluting them.

Advertising targeted to children has also become a major force in our children's environment. In this environmental module we explore some of these connections. Consider what steps we might take in our own homes, schools, and playgrounds. How might we choose food and water for our children? But also think about what public decisions might improve the world for our kids; we are their voices in the political process. We are making choices with their inheritance.

Featured Article

Meeting Jane Goodall & The Chimpanzees

After one of the hardest hikes of my life, I stepped into a small clearing and turned to see a full-grown male chimp perched in a tree just above and behind me. He was close enough to attack if he’d wanted to. Thankfully, he didn’t want to… I grew up reading National Geographic magazine from …

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Articles

Dr. Greene shares his expert advice on childhood conditions that often have something in common: environmental pollutants.

Q&A Guides

Dr. Greene answers questions from concerned parents, ranging from queries about antibacterial soaps to environmental causes of cancer.

Air Quality

It may seem daunting to try to control the air we breathe, but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Here we look into ways to support healthy breathing, as well as foods that help cleanse the body of airborne toxins.

Household

Asthma and respiratory problems are often exacerbated by fumes that may be almost unnoticeable within the home. Learn what household products pose the highest risks, and how to create earth- and people-friendly alternatives.

Asthma & Environment

While it’s true that synthetic chemicals can contribute to asthma, you may be surprised to know that having pets in the house can actually soothe symptoms. Take a look at the many factors within the home that can help or harm asthmatic conditions.

Autism & Environment

Cases of autism have been increasing in recent decades, and researchers are only beginning to understand the causes. Here we look at links between autism and environmental factors.

Impact of Organics

While it’s hard to argue with the notion that eating organic food is good for health, the more studies are done the more we see how the chemicals present in non-organic foods pose significant risks to the body, especially those of children. Learn how to make the organic switch, and the many benefits it has to health.

Cancer & Environment

Since the early 20th century the amount of synthetic chemicals present in the home has increased significantly. It may not be a coincidence, then, that cases of cancer have increased as well. Learn ways to keep your home clean while supporting your health at the same time.