America's Children and the Environment (ACE)

ACE Environments and Contaminants

Pollutants or contaminants that may affect the health of children can be found in air, water, food, and soil. The Environments and Contaminants section of ACE3 describes contaminants in the air children breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat. It also describes conditions of children’s surroundings by considering indoor environments, contaminated lands, and climate change.

The Environments and Contaminants section is organized as a series of topics, each topic as a separate page. Each topic is presented separately with Indicator, Background, and Methods navigation tabs. The Indicator tab includes each indicator presented as a figure, followed by a text box describing the characteristics of the data displayed, and bullet points that highlight key data from the indicator. The Background tab includes a discussion of the scope of the issue and a brief snapshot of the relevant scientific literature regarding associations between exposures and health effects. The Methods tab includes a description of the data source and a description of how the indicator is calculated.

The ACE3 Environments and Contaminants indicators address the following topics:

Criteria Air Pollutants

Six common air pollutants for which EPA has established national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).

View Criteria Air Pollutants »

Hazardous Air Pollutants

Air pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health effects, such as birth defects or cancer, or adverse environmental effects.

View Hazardous Air Pollutants »

Indoor Environments

Chemicals found in homes, schools, child care facilities, and other buildings where children spend most of their time.

View Indoor Environments »

Drinking Water Contaminants

Chemicals and biological contaminants in drinking water provided by community water systems.

View Drinking Water Contaminants »

Chemicals in Food

Pesticide and industrial chemicals detected in foods commonly eaten by children.

View Chemicals in Food »

Contaminated Lands

Proximity of children to sites where chemical contamination is present.

View Contaminated Lands »

Climate Change

Significant changes in climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, or wind that last for decades or longer.

View Climate Change »