We do not know if exposure to asbestos will result in birth defects or other developmental effects in people. Birth defects have not been observed in animals exposed to asbestos. It is likely that health effects seen in children exposed to high levels of asbestos will be similar to the effects seen in adults.

From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that have long been known to have useful properties such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. These minerals are essentially a type of stone that can be woven into fabric and used in construction materials.

No, all children are equally at risk of acquiring head lice. Transmission occurs very easily through contact from one infected child to another. Being clean does not prevent infection. (BACK)

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion used against intimate partners. Domestic violence often includes child abuse. Children may be victimized and threatened as a way of punishing and controlling the adult victim of domestic violence. They may be injured unintentionally when acts of violence occur in their presence.

Very young children are more sensitive to mercury than adults. Mercury in the mother's body passes to the fetus and may accumulate there. It can also can pass to a nursing infant through breast milk. However, the benefits of breast feeding may be greater than the possible adverse effects of mercury in breast milk. Mercury's harmful effects that may be passed from the mother to the fetus include brain damage, mental retardation, incoordination, blindness, seizures, and inability to speak.

The bill will greatly reduce the amount of compensation to which asbestos claimants would typically receive in a lawsuit. Those who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer will be limited to a maximum of one million dollars, and will most likely receive significantly less. The limits on financial compensation would mean that some asbestos-disease patients may not even receive a compensation amount that would cover their medical bills.

Women who were exposed to relatively high levels of PCBs in the workplace or ate large amounts of fish contaminated with PCBs had babies that weighed slightly less than babies from women who did not have these exposures. Babies born to women who ate PCB-contaminated fish also showed abnormal responses in tests of infant behavior. Some of these behaviors, such as problems with motor skills and a decrease in short-term memory, lasted for several years.

Talk with your child's teachers and the staff at his or her school (or child care center) to develop a plan for diabetes care at school. This plan needs to include clear instructions for dealing with low blood sugar, when to test the child's blood sugar, contents of school meals and snacks, and emergency contact information. Allow your child with diabetes to participate in his or her daily care to the extent that is appropriate for your child's age and development.

Your home could have a number of potential sources of lead, but you may not be aware of some of them. Learn more...