Why are our children still getting sicker and sicker?

Why are children and infants at greater risk than adults of harm from a contaminated environment?

According to researchers, the prime time for brain development is from birth to three years. The first months comprise a time when cells increase and multiply most quickly. Because infants and children are in a stage of rapid growth and development, they are extremely vulnerable to environmental contaminants. Disruptions during these critical phases can mean permanent damage in the form of learning, behavioral and developmental disorders.

The bodies of infants and children are much smaller, and so their natural ability to get rid of toxins is not as strong as adults. Children and infants also breathe more rapidly than adults, inhaling more pollutants per pound of body weight. The fact that children spend more time than adults engaged in vigorous activities outside also causes them to inhale proportionately greater quantities of polluted air.

Children and infants spend more time crawling and playing close to the ground where toxic chemicals and low-lying contaminated air levels collect. They constantly put their fingers and other objects in their mouths, making it easier for chemicals to enter their bodies.

Needless to say, these factors make children more likely than most adults to contract serious illnesses that are caused or aggravated by pollution. It is for this reason we must start now learning some of the preventive things that we can do to offset this trend.

In Bayview Hunters Point, the research shows us that infant mortality is higher than the city average. But the real question for me is: What can we do to change this?

Some would say that it’s a matter of knowledge, so if that be the case, let me attempt to help us out with some facts and fixes on some of the most important pollutants that contribute to infant and childhood illnesses.

Indoor air pollution

Why is it harmful? It increases respiratory illnesses and aggravates asthma. Asthma hospitalization rates for children in Bayview Hunters Point are three times the statewide average. Poor ventilation and increased humidity can cause mold growth, which also triggers asthma and allergic reactions.

Products we use that look so innocent cause big damage, such as toxic household cleaners, including bleach, ammonia and air fresheners. Bug and pesticide sprays and old carpets also add to indoor air pollution. Can you help to eliminate some of these triggers? Yes, but that’s another story coming soon.

Lead

We all know that lead is harmful, but what do we truly know about it? Lead is a toxic metal that affects the brain and the nervous system and interrupts normal development. Lead poisoning is associated with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) aggression, short attention span, poor school performance, IQ loss, restlessness and impulsive behavior and hearing loss. It also interferes with body’s ability to absorb calcium and iron.

The burning question right now is, “Where is lead found?” Flaking, chipping or peeling house paint. Water from old plumbing, contaminated soil, candles with lead wicks, vinyl mini-blinds made before 1996 and in imported candies, canned foods and ceramic dishes. Can you prevent lead poisoning? Yes, and we will talk about that later, too.

Mercury

Mercury is a harmful neurotoxin, meaning it disrupts vital development of the brain and nervous system – interfering with normal division and communication between cells. It is associated with loss of vision, learning disabilities, memory loss, ADHD and dysfunction of motor skills.

Where can you find mercury? In tuna and other large fish, such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish, especially those caught in polluted waters such as San Francisco Bay – in other words, don’t eat the fish from our bay – and in the emissions from both coal and natural gas-fired power plants, including the Hunters Point power plant, municipal and medical waste incinerators and other sources.

Mercury is also in fluorescent light bulbs and batteries, old thermostats and fever thermometers. Oh, and we mustn’t forget dental fillings.

Mercury poisoning can be prevented, but we must take some responsibility ourselves and ask for information and just do it. It’s about our kids and their health.

Outdoor air pollution

You might say this is one of my pet peeves. Is it harmful? You bet, and more so than most folks think. Contaminated air contributes to respiratory dysfunction and asthma.

It comes from pesticides, coal and fossil fueled power plants, incinerators and chemical plants – and let’s not forget diesel trucks. With all the major industries located right in the Southeastern side of this city and because we live in the heart of all this, one would think we can do nothing about outdoor air pollution. Wrong.

Yes we can, but it means that we must file complaints with regulatory agencies and go after polluters with both feet. Keep in mind that if the government won’t, the people will.

We are the people and we have more than the right – we have the duty to protect our lives and the lives of our families, community and city. Never take no for the answer, and if you wanna know the answer, you gotta ask the question.

Need to know more? Look for our outreach people who will be coming around and knocking on your door to leave you more information, and you can always come to our next community meeting or pick up a phone and call me at (415) 248-5010.

Email Marie at marie [at] greenaction.org.

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