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Senate committee backs bill to establish Children's Environmental Health Day
Summary
Senate Bill 184 would designate a Children's Environmental Health Day in October to increase awareness of environmental exposures affecting children; sponsor and Department of Environmental Services staff described outreach and educational goals.
Sen. Denise Ricciardi introduced Senate Bill 184, which would designate a Children's Environmental Health Day on the second Thursday in October to raise awareness about children's environmental exposures—air, water, chemicals and food—and related health risks.
Ricciardi said she has repeatedly introduced similar measures and that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has encouraged another filing this year. Karen Kramer, administrator of the Environmental Health Program at the Department of Environmental Services (DES), offered to answer questions and said the department already conducts activities that promote children's environmental health.
Nut graf: The bill is a ceremonial/educational observance intended to promote public education in schools and communities about environmental risks to children and encourage proactive steps to reduce exposures.
The committee discussed prior success in getting governors to sign resolutions and noted the measure has passed the Senate in prior years but not always cleared the House.
Ending: The committee moved SB 184 forward by voice vote; sponsors said they will continue outreach and educational planning with state agencies and schools.
