This presentation analyses one of the greatest inequities in Latin America, as it is the environmental impact upon children’s health. Further more, it demonstrates that the trends and policies for development of the countries in the Region generate a growing number and variety of environmental risks to the health of the younger populations.
Traditional risks continue to exist in spite of the available technologies. Among these risks, the most relevant is the lack of access to potable water. In areas where 100% of the population has access to drinking water, the infant mortality is around 10/1,000 live birth, whereas in areas where only 40% of the population has access, 50/1,000 live birth is the infant mortality rate. Inadequate disposal of solid wastes; unhealthy conditions of dwellings; food contamination, improper disposal of wastewater, are some of the others.
Chemicals in the environment are a significant risk with a tendency to grow. Country level studies have found that more than 25% of the newborn have blood lead contents above recommended limits. Environmental lead, from mining, and exposure to agricultural chemicals pose serious risks to children in rural areas in Latin America.
Child labor is a very special problem in all countries of Latin America. It is estimated that 15 million children, about half of them between the ages of six to 14, work in mostly unacceptable conditions. Critical situation of poverty condemn thousands of children to live and labor on garbage dumps.
Learning Objectives: Recognize environmental health risks to children in Latin America Discuss the link between national policies and environmental exposures to children
Keywords: International, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.