Source
Summary
“Children today face a new set of challenges that were unimaginable just a generation ago. Across the world, climate change and environmental degradation are threatening child survival, health and well-being. Given children’s unique metabolism, physiology and developmental needs, no group is more vulnerable to environmental harm. Exposure can impact children early and have a lifelong effect.
This brief examines the growing body of research on the unique vulnerabilities of children: in utero and at birth, during infancy and childhood and throughout adolescence. Its purpose is to enable evidence-based advocacy and action on children’s environmental health. It is comprised of three sections:
(1) Pregnant women and the developing fetuses’ unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards
(2) Children’s unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards
(3) Adolescents’ unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards
Each section is divided into three parts (a) key messages, (b) examples of environmental hazards affecting children, and (c) a technical summary based on a review of the scientific literature.”
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