U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
Committed to Putting Children First
Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355
/ jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C.-April 18, 2006)
Developing a new generation of pediatricians with environmental health
expertise. Studying the effect of on-road emissions in asthmatic children to
prevent the health impacts of air pollution. Starting a "green cleaning"
program to help reduce children's exposures to environmental hazards in school.
These programs are three
of 14 that will be recognized by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency at the second Children's Environmental Health
Excellence Awards ceremony on April 20 in
Washington, D.C.
"As both a scientist and a grandfather, I have tremendous respect for those
working in the environmental sciences to ensure the safety of our most valuable
resource – our children," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "On behalf
of the American people, EPA applauds these individuals and organizations for
their outstanding work in protecting our nation's future leaders."
EPA is honoring 14 organizations and individuals for their outstanding
leadership in protecting children from environmental risks. EPA plays a major
role in protecting infants and children, who are more susceptible than adults to
some environmental hazards, because their nervous, immune, digestive and other
systems are still developing.
The 2006 Children's Environmental Health Champion Award will be presented to Dr.
Philip J. Landrigan - a pioneer and leader in the field of children's
environmental health. Dr. Landrigan is being recognized for his many
accomplishments including his work with the Center for Children's Health and the
Environment and the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at Mt. Sinai,
both supported in part by EPA.
The Children's Environmental Health Awards are designed to recognize ongoing and
sustainable dedication to, and notable leadership in, protecting children from
environmental health risks at the local, regional, national and international
level. Twenty-nine additional organizations were awarded Recognition Awards for
their demonstrated commitment to protecting children from environmental health
risks.
A complete list of the excellence and recognition award recipients and a
description of their programs:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/2006_CEH_Awards.htm
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