Environmental Concerns for Children in Humanitarian Crises

Children in humanitarian settings may be exposed to toxic substances (eg, lead, mercury, fluoride, pesticides, tobacco, and carbon monoxide) through inadequate housing, polluted indoor air and water, or being located near industrial sites. They may become ill after ingesting contaminated food (such as cassava containing cyanide) or being sprayed with chemicals dispersed from airplanes. Children who are refugees from war also may be exposed to environmental contaminants such as depleted uranium. As the climate changes, more children will live with extreme heat. Pediatric clinicians should be aware of the potential for toxic exposures and take a thorough environmental history.