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Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management

Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management. PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH THREATS 5-STAR ENVIRONMENTAL RECOGNITION FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES. Why is IDEM focusing on Child Care Facilities?. Over 100,000 Hoosier children attend daycare Children not little adults. Windows of

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Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management

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  1. Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH THREATS 5-STAR ENVIRONMENTAL RECOGNITION FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES

  2. Why is IDEM focusing on Child Care Facilities? • Over 100,000 Hoosier children attend daycare • Children not little adults

  3. Windows of Vulnerability During Development Children are not little adults Different EnvironmentalExposures Physiological Differences Different adverse health effects in children and adults

  4. Children drink, eat, and breathe more per pound of body weight Infants Adults

  5. Environmental Contaminants can Affect Children Differently than Adults • Children may be more highly exposed to contaminants • Children may be more vulnerable to the toxic effects of contaminants.

  6. Why be concerned about environmental health for children at your facility? • Was your building built prior to 1978? • Do you have gas heat or gas appliances? • Do you use pesticides? • Have you or are you renovating? • Do you know the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer? • Do you have a mercury thermostat? • Do you have leaks or water damage?

  7. The Bad News • Asthma rates increasing. • Concerns of mercury exposure in the womb. • Disproportionate impact of childhood diseases on low-income and minority children. • Children still have elevated blood lead levels.

  8. What can you do? • Take a look at your childcare facility. • Identify areas that may be putting children at risk of being exposed to environmental dangers.

  9. 5-Star Environmental Recognition for Child Care Facilities • Recognizes those facilities going beyond compliance

  10. Why should a facility participate? • Educational Tool • Marketing Strategy • Free Stuff!!

  11. Three Core Issues • Environmental Threats • Health and Safety • Environmental Stewardship • See application

  12. Protecting Children from Environmental Threats • Lead • Mercury • Radon • Asbestos • PCBs • Pesticides • Secondhand Smoke • Carbon Monoxide

  13. IPM: Areas under and around dumpster should be cleaned regularly.

  14. IPM: Clutter! Notice the blue sign.

  15. IPM: More clutter! Attracts mice and spiders such as the brown recluse.

  16. IPM: Mouse poison found in a childcare facility. Mice will pick up pieces and trail them throughout classrooms where children may mistake it for candy.

  17. Indoor Air Quality: Water damaged ceiling tiles are a haven for mold. Ceiling tiles can also contain asbestos.

  18. Indoor Air Quality: Mold is very common in childcare facilities. It triggers asthma and allergies and some types of mold are even deadly.

  19. Chemical Safety: Labeling Chemicals (Bleach Bottles)

  20. Asthma: Pets with fur can cause allergies and asthma attacks. Their food also attracts pests.

  21. Environmental Stewardship: Reusable dishes instead of styrofoam.

  22. For more information….. • www.IN.gov/idem/childcare • On IDEM’s 5-Star Program • Karen Teliha 317-233-5555

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