Children's Health Month

September 30, 2003 --- October is Children’s Health Month, a time to reflect on how all of us can provide safer, healthier homes for our children.

“Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or a childcare provider, it’s important to know about the most common health risks to children and what you can do to protect them from these risks,” said Laura Booth, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Extension associate for environmental programs.

Every year, roughly 30 million children require emergency care due to injury or acute illness.

Three factors account for the reason children are at greater risk for injury or illness, Booth said.

“Part of it has to do with their size -- children, after all, are still growing and developing,” she said. “And because their systems are not fully developed, they are not as well equipped as adults to handle harmful substances to which they may be exposed.

“Add to that the fact that children, because they’re so much smaller, take in far more air, water and food per pound of body weight, and you can see how much more susceptible they are to environmental contaminants.”

It is a problem, she said, that is often compounded by children’s surroundings, where they may be exposed to dust particles and other potentially harmful substances in the course of crawling and playing.

The good news is there are simple things parents can do around the home to make their homes more child friendly.

“First, help children breathe easier, especially by keeping your house as clean as possible and reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke,” Booth said. “This is especially important if they suffer from allergies or asthma.

“As an added precaution, keep pets outdoors, or at least out of their bedrooms.”

Lead, which is most often absorbed by children from paint chips or dust, may pose another risk, especially if your home was built prior to 1978, when the federal government mandated the phase-out of lead-based paint products.

Children who may have suffered long-term exposure to lead paint or dust particles should be tested for lead at a doctor’s office or local health department.

Wet mopping floors and washing window sills and door frames also reduces the amount of paint chips and dust to which children may be exposed during daily activities, she added.

Paint that remains in good condition poses no threat to children.

Parents also should consider the following:

Keep cleaning products and other chemicals stored away and locked. Also, be sure to follow label directions carefully when using these products. It’s also a good idea to keep the toll-free number of the National Poison Control Center readily available in case of an emergency. The number is 1-800-222-1222.

Limit indoor pesticide use by preventing pest problems from occurring. Like most organisms, pests need food, water and shelter to survive. Keep them out by sealing cracks and crevices where they may enter. Fix any leaks around the home, and avoid leaving standing water in sinks and tubs. Cut off food supplies by keeping food stored tightly in sealed containers and cleaning up spills and crumbs immediately.

Safeguard against carbon monoxide poisoning. Have fuel-burning appliances inspected once each year and avoid using alternative sources of heat such as gas ovens and gas ranges. Also, consider installing a carbon monoxide detector. Be sure to test these each spring and fall to ensure that batteries are working properly. Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors.

Test your home for radon. Radon is a gas produced naturally in the soil as radium decays. It is emitted into the home through cracks and openings in the structure. Long-term exposure to radon has been linked with lung cancer. Contact your local Extension office to obtain a radon testing kit.

To learn more about how you can create a safer environment for your child, visit the Children’s Health Month Web site: http://www.childrenshealth.gov/index.html.

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