The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a new online resource to help prevent heavy metal exposures in children. 

This EPA online resource guide connects the public to federal, state, and local resources in multiple languages. 

Children and pregnant women are at high risk for health issues related to heavy metal exposure, and the guide aims to reduce lead exposure in communities overburdened by pollution. 

It provides outreach materials to educate the public on how to identify and reduce exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics, religious powders, spices, traditional medicine and cookware.

“One of EPA’s top priorities is protecting public health, especially the health of our children who are most vulnerable to health impacts from exposure to heavy metals such as lead,” said Clifford Villa, the deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management.  

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium are found in certain cultural products and can cause health issues such as reduced IQ, learning difficulties, hyperactivity and attention problems. These effects may not be immediately visible and can manifest later in life. 

Although the EPA doesn't regulate lead in these products, exposure can lead to overall high blood lead levels. 

The guide is part of the EPA's efforts to advance the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to environmental justice and equity and fulfills one of the goals outlined in the 2022 EPA Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities.

Villa said preventing heavy metal exposures starts with knowing about them. The new resource guide increases access to vital environmental health information, helping to protect children from harmful exposures in communities across the country. 

The EPA co-leads and works with federal partners through the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children on topics concerning children’s health, including lead exposures.