Tobacco.org

US Kids Less Exposed to Lead, Second-Hand Smoke 

A new nationwide report released Monday reveals that children in the US are now exposed to less lead and second-hand smoke than in years past, but remain plagued by asthma and in danger of exposure to toxins in the womb.

About 8% of women of reproductive age have potentially dangerous levels of mercury in their bodies, according to the report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report is the second by the agency to track trends in environmental factors that can influence the health of children.

EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said in a statement that the findings of the current report will help tailor the agency's efforts to meet the most crucial health needs of the nation's children.

Jump to full article »