Trump Cuts Services That Protect Children From Toxic Chemicals

Washington, D.C. – The Trump administration plans to cancel critical funding that helps protect children from hazardous chemicals. Trump is also preparing to withdraw grants that help reduce the effects of wildfire smoke and keep forever chemicals out of our food.

Climate Power Senior Advisor for Accountability Campaigns Alex Witt issued the following statement: “Donald Trump spent months talking about how he was going to make America healthy again, and instead, he’s making sure that children keep getting sick from ongoing exposure to pesticides. The only things getting healthier under Trump are the bottom lines of his ultrawealthy donors in the chemical industry. Trump is guaranteeing that American children get sicker from toxic chemicals in the air we breathe and water we drink while his wealthy CEO backers get richer.”

The New York Times: E.P.A. Set to Cancel Grants Aimed at Protecting Children From Toxic Chemicals

• “The Trump administration is set to cancel tens of millions of dollars in grants to scientists studying environmental hazards faced by children in rural America, among other health issues, according to internal emails written by senior officials at the Environmental Protection Agency.”

• “The grants are designed to address a range of issues, including improving the health of children in rural America who have been exposed to pesticides from agriculture and other pollution; reducing exposure to wildfire smoke; and preventing “forever chemicals” from contaminating the food supply.”

• “Many grants involve issues that affect regions of the country where voters supported Mr. Trump. One grant funds Oklahoma University scientists researching how to help children in rural America who face increased health risks from pesticide and other pollution, issues that can be compounded by limited access to health care and higher poverty rates.  Combined, those factors can cause rural children to miss school days, perpetuating a cycle of sickness and disadvantage, research has shown.”
• “The agency’s research is unique “because it focuses on answering questions that will help E.P.A. do a better job of identifying and protecting people from toxic chemicals,” Dr. Woodruff said. “Defunding this research will do the opposite of the administration’s goal of making America healthy.”