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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Oct. 8, 2020) - As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating Children’s Health Month with the kickoff of a monthlong observance of 50 years of progress in protecting children’s health. As President Trump stated in his Child Health Day 2020 proclamation, “We are reminded of our solemn obligation to love and protect these precious lives, and we recommit to helping America’s youth reach their full potential.”

EPA plays a significant role in protecting children’s health through numerous programs that help keep children safe in the places where they live, learn and play.

“Protecting children’s health is one of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Throughout October, in recognition of Children’s Health Month, EPA will highlight our many programs and resources dedicated to improving air quality, reducing lead exposure, and protecting the health and well-being of children.”

“Children here in Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska) may be exposed to lead from lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 and from legacy lead mining and production activities,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford. “Our community-based public education and health protection efforts with cities and counties are important in protecting children. Yet it’s the parents who hear this message and have their children tested for elevated blood lead levels through their county or city public health agency who are the real heroes!”

• Providing funding to support testing for lead in drinking water in schools.
• Reducing emissions of criteria and precursor air pollutants by 7% from 2017 to 2019, for a total of 77% since EPA's inception in 1970. 
• Remediating and revitalizing community spaces through EPA’s Brownfields program, including the Children’s Museum of Maine, neighborhoods and playgrounds in Colorado, and more.

• Children’s Environmental Health in Schools, Child Care Settings, and Houses of Worship
• Children’s Health Research
• Improving Safety of School and Child Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

For more information on EPA’s work, please see our October 2020 booklet Protecting Children’s Health; and visit our Protecting Children's Environmental Health page.

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