Grants given to educate public on environmental risks to unborn babies

Organisations in five US states have been given a total of $500,000 to raise awareness about how exposure to environmental hazards during pregnancy poses a risk to unborn babies.

The grants were awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the education of health care organisations and of pregnant women in Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Florida. Approximately 3,000 healthcare providers and 10,000 women will benefit from the education provided by the grants.

The EPA hopes that the funding will be used to educate their target audience on issues such as exposure to lead, mercury, tobacco smoke, chemicals, pesticides, air contaminants and drinking water contaminants.

Being exposed to lead during pregnancy contributes to premature birth, miscarriage, and developmental delays.

Studies have also found that high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide pollution is linked to heart defects in babies, as well as premature births and low-weight babies.

“We’re giving pregnant women information on how to avoid exposure to certain environmental hazards to give children a healthy start to life,” said Dona Deleon, director of EPA’s Office of Education.

She added that “These grants help the public health community reach women during this important time in their lives.”

The grants will be used to train healthcare providers and home visiting staff, as well as for printing educational material to be given to patients.