September—October 2016

Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, 148 Tribal Nations

Cleaning Up the Maywood Fire Site

EPA has begun site preparations and hazardous waste removal in the aftermath of the Fruitland Ave. magnesium fire in Maywood, Calif. The cleanup activities are expected to last about eight weeks and may cost up to $3 million. EPA is conducting air monitoring throughout the cleanup and will take measures to ensure contaminants at the site do not pose a health risk.

• LA Times: EPA Begins $3 Million Cleanup of Maywood Magnesium Fire Exit
• EPA Response to Fruitland Magnesium Fire

Supporting Healthy Communities for Children

Children are more heavily exposed to environmental pollution because, pound for pound, they breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food than adults. Children play close to the ground and put their hands in their mouths. They are also vulnerable to environmental hazards because their bodies are still developing, making them less able to metabolize, detoxify and excrete toxins.

• Protecting Children’s Environmental Health
• Children’s Health Month

Protecting Kids from Lead Poisoning

There are many ways to reduce a child's exposure to lead and prevent its serious health effects. EPA, along with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Centers for Disease Control, promote educational activities. This year, during Lead Poisoning Prevention week in October, the focus is on lead in drinking water.

• Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
• EPA’s Lead Programs
• Report a Tip or Complaint