New Documentary Explores Links Between Environmental Exposures and Children's Health

3/9/2004

From: Doug or Patti Wood, 516-883-0887; both of the Grassroots Environmental Education

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., March 9 -- Grassroots Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to disseminating current scientific information about environmental toxins and human health, has announced the release of a new half-hour documentary entitled "Our Children at Risk."

Based on interviews with leading experts in the field, the new video explores the latest scientific research linking environmental toxins to children's health problems, and helps parents understand the issues and learn what they can do to reduce the risks in their homes, schools and communities.

From diesel exhaust to pesticides, cleaning products to art materials, children are exposed to an increasing number of toxins in their environments everyday. And because of their biological vulnerability and behavioral patterns, children are more at risk from exposure to these potentially dangerous toxins than adults.

Philip Landrigan, M.D. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), John Wargo. Ph.D. (Yale University), Frederica Perera, Ph.D. (Columbia University) and Elizabeth Guillette, Ph.D. (University of Florida) have each been studying the unique relationship between environmental toxins and human health, and in this video they report on their research and their findings. Each of the experts urges parents to take action.

"I always say to parents that they can make a difference on three levels" says Dr. Landrigan. "First, they can make a difference in their homes. Secondly, they can make a difference in their communities. And thirdly, they can make a difference in the broader society. Sometimes we can't do these things alone, but if we join with tens and hundreds of others we can make a huge difference."

"Part of our mission is to empower individuals to act as catalysts for change within their own neighborhoods and communities" says Grassroots' Executive Director Patti Wood. "We designed this documentary to be used by people who are concerned about the health of their children, and who want to do something about it."

Accompanying the video is an "action packet" which contains ideas for getting communities involved with issues covered in the video.

The video is available in VHS or DVD formats. The suggested donation of $14.95 includes the video, action packet and domestic shipping charges. Review copies are available on request.

A preview clip of the video can be seen at http://www.grassrootsinfo.org.