Children's Health Month
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October is National Children’s Health Month.
Children are often more vulnerable to pollutants than adults due to differences in behavior and biology, and these differences can lead to greater exposure and/or unique windows of susceptibility.
- Children's Health Month 2024
- Learn about children’s environmental health
- Spread the word
- Activities for kids
Children’s Health Month 2024
Theme: Growing Healthy, Growing Happy
Strong Bodies and Minds – October 1-5th
- Children's growing bodies are more vulnerable than adults to environmental health threats. Protecting their health now is key to strong futures.
Healthy Spaces – October 6-12th
- Ensure homes, schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds and other spaces where children spend most of their time are built and improved with their health in mind.
Empowered Communities – October 13-19th
- Equip communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to guarantee every child, regardless of income, race, or origin is protected from health risks.
Bright Futures Begin Lead Free – October 20-26th
- National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week – Get the facts. Get your child tested. Get your home tested.
Planning Ahead – October 27-31st
- Keep children healthy in the face of a changing climates, natural disasters, and other emergency situations by preparing now for future challenges.
Learn About Children’s Environmental Health
Parents and Caregivers
- Children's Environmental Health Facts
- What You Can Do to Protect Children
- Environmental Health Topics for Parents
School Administrators and Teachers
In addition to making sure schools and classrooms are safe using the tips above for parents, EPA has a range of resources specifically for schools and childcare providers.
Healthcare Professionals
- Environmental Health Topics for Child Care Providers
- Training, Webinars and Resources for Child Care Providers
- Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units
Spread the word:
Use the children's health outreach toolkit access children's health publications, graphics, social media messaging and more.
Graphics:
Use graphics throughout children's health month. Find more children's health graphics.
Social Media Messaging
Use children's health messaging to spread awareness about the issues facing children's environmental health on your social media accounts. Tag @EPA and use the hashtag #ChildrensHealthMonth #ProtectKidsHealth #ChildHealth.
Activities for Kids
Why is Coco Orange?: Read how Coco and his friends at Lizard Lick Elementary solve this mystery as they learn about air quality and how to stay healthy when the air quality is bad. The picture book and video are for all children, especially those with asthma, and their caregivers.
Why is Coco Red?: In this sequel to “Why is Coco Orange?”, Coco and his friends experience another air quality adventure. Read how Coco, his little sister and his friends solve a mystery as they learn about how wildfires can affect air quality and health. This book is for all children, especially those with asthma, and their caretakers.
Dusty The Asthma Goldfish and His Asthma Triggers Fun Book: This educational activity book helps children learn more about asthma triggers.
How Does EPA Protect the Environment? Activity Book for Children: With this activity book, kids can learn about the different ways that EPA works to protect our environment and our health.
Live, Learn, Play: Tune into Your Health and the Environment: This colorful, engaging booklet was prepared for youth groups and provides information about how to protect yourself and your friends.
Wood Smoke Activity Book: Children can read the story about best burning practices, color the pictures, and do the activities included in this activity book.
Join Our Pest Patrol: A Backyard Activity Book for Kids on Integrated Pest Management: This booklet includes fun activities to educate children in grades 1–6 about pest identity, biology, and ecology. It also helps children understand the effects on the environment of decisions about whether or not to use chemicals to control pests.