WEBSITES ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:
Global Climate Change and Health (CPS) | Health and Environment: (CPCHE) | (AAP)
Second-hand smoke/E-cigs/Cannabis exposure: There is no safe level of exposure. Advise caregivers to stop smoking and/or reduce second-hand smoke exposure, which contributes to childhood respiratory illnesses, SIDS and neuro-behavioural disorders. Offer smoking cessation resources. Educate parents on the health risks and harms associated with e-cigs and cannabis (including edibles), and on safe storage. Cannabis (CPS)
Sun exposure/sunscreens: Minimize sun exposure. Wear protective clothing, hats, properly applied sunscreen with SPF ≥ 30 for those > 6 months of age.
Insect bites/repellents: Prevent insect bites. No DEET in < 6 months; 6–24 months 10% DEET apply max once daily; 2–12 years 10% DEET apply max TID. Preventing mosquito and tick bites (CPS)
Pesticides: Ask about pesticide use and storage at home; avoid exposure. Wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled. Food additives and child health (AAP) | Pesticide Exposure in Children (AAP)
Lead: There is no safe level of lead exposure in children. Evidence suggests that low blood lead levels can have adverse health effects on a child’s cognitive function.
Blood Lead Screening is recommended for children who:
- in the last 6 months lived in a house or apartment built before 1960;
- live in a home with recent or ongoing renovations or peeling or chipped paint;
- have a sibling, housemate, or playmate with a prior history of lead poisoning;
- live near point sources of lead contamination;
- have household members with lead-related occupations or hobbies;
- are refugees aged 6 months–6 years, within 3 months of arrival and again in 3–6 months.
- have emigrated or been internationally adopted from a country where population lead levels are higher than in Canada.
- are at risk of lead exposure from water pipes.
- require diagnostic investigations for neurodevelopmental delays/disorders
Even for blood levels less than 10ug/dL, evidence suggests an association, and perhaps partial causal relationship with lower cognitive function in children. CPS article: Lead levels in Canadian children: Do we have to review the standard?
Websites about environmental issues:
Global Climate Change and Health (CPS) | Health and Environment: (CPCHE) | (AAP)