We are starting to understand that environmental toxins are hazardous to everyone, but did you know that children are most susceptible to these dangers? There are many reasons why safe, sustainable learning and living environments are essential for the health and well being of our next generation.

Compared to adults children have a far greater chance of developing health problems as a result of exposure to environmental toxins found in our everyday products. Proportionally, children eat, drink and breathe more than adults; therefore the amount of toxins they take in from their environment is greater. They also tend to “live low”, spending much of their time on the floor or ground where chemicals from shoes, dust and anything sprayed into the air tend to settle. Children are still growing; detoxification and immune systems are not developed until around the age of 10, the lungs continue to grow until the age of 20, new tissues are being formed, organs are growing and the nervous system is expanding. This growth can easily be disrupted by a continual low level exposure to chemicals that may not cause any acute symptoms. Being exposed at a young age also means toxins will have a much longer time to accumulate to dangerous levels in the body.

Cancer is the leading disease killer of children. Instances of asthma, allergies, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders have all risen sharply in the last three decades. All of these diseases have had some link to chemicals widely used in homes and schools.

All of these facts lead to a simple conclusion: a toxin free home or school is a safer place for our children to play, grow and flourish. Suggest a comprehensive green program to your child care or school facility and make sure your children are spending there time away from in a safe, healthy environment!