National Council of Catholic Women at 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 725, Arlington, VA 22203 US - MAKE THE CASE FOR CHILDREN'S HEALTH
| MAKE THE CASE FOR CHILDREN'S HEALTH |
In 1997, the membership of the National Council of Catholic Women approved a resolution recognizing children’s unique vulnerability to a variety of environmental toxins which can cause permanent, irreversible mental and physical damage. The resolution encourages NCCW members to advocate for and support federal, state, and local policies to help build healthy environments for children. Currently the NCCW administers a $26,000 grant from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for parish-based education on children’s environmental health in the dioceses of Charleston, Knoxville, Orange, Green Bay, Madison, Harrisburg, Galveston-Houston, Fall River, and Great Falls-Billings. The grant provides training to parish representatives and focuses how individuals and communities can make changes that will improve the health of infants and children. Among the environmental exposures of concern are toxins in health care and cosmetic products; treated wood in school yards, backyards, and playgrounds; the dangers of mold and moisture in housing which may exacerbate asthma; and food borne toxins such as mercury. Resources "Children’s Environmental Health, 2004 Update," Catholic Woman magazine, July/August 2004. "Children’s Environmental Health," Catholic Woman magazine, November/December 2000. Make the CASE for Children’s Health Resource Packet. This packet provides background fact sheets about children’s environmental health and ideas for implementing the Catholic Coalition for Children and a Safe Environment Project.