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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Florida Choose Safe Places - Resources
Hazardous Waste Site Health Risk Assessment Program
- 877-798-2772
- phtoxicology@flhealth.gov
-
Mailing Address
Mailing Address
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1710
- Air pollution
- Playground Area Concerns
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Noise
- Radon
- Toys and other Consumer Products
- Well Water Concerns
Children breathe more air per body weight than adults. This leaves children at greater risk of health effects when exposed to air pollution. Air pollution is a common trigger of asthma episodes in asthmatics.
AirNow- Air quality in your area [EPA]
Artificial turf and crumb rubber
Some artificial turfs contain crumb rubber infill made from old tires, which could contain potentially harmful petroleum compounds, lead and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
FAQs: Crumb Rubber & Artificial Turf [CEHN]
FAQs: Crumb Rubber in Athletic Fields [Minnesota DOH]
Federal Research on Recycled Tire Crumb Rubber [EPA]
CCA-Treated Wood
Wooded playground structures made before 2004 could have been pressure-treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) solution. CCA-treated wood contains arsenic, which can be harmful to children if they come in contact with the wood and dust from the wood.
CCA-Treated Wood Guidance [CPSC]
Petroleum Compounds
Some petroleum compounds can cause a variety of health effects including cancers.
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) [ATSDR]
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) [ATSDR]
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
Many children are sensitive to VOCs, which can cause irritation to airways, skin and eyes, as well as other health effects depending on the extent of exposure and other factors.
If disturbed, materials that contain asbestos can release asbestos fibers. The fibers are so small they can be breathed into the lungs, which may lead to serious health effects including cancer.
Asbestos and Your Health [ATSDR]
Lead is a toxic chemical that can affect a child’s development and learning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no safe blood lead level has been identified for children.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program [Florida DOH]
Lead Poisoning Information [Florida DOH]
Lead Poisoning Prevention [CDC]
Lead-Safe Toolkit for Center-Based Child Care [NCHH]
Lead in Consumer Products Worksheet [NCHH]
Lead in Drinking Water Worksheet [NCHH]
Lead in Paint Worksheet for Home-Based Child Care [NCHH]
Lead in Soil Worksheet for Center-Based Child Care [NCHH]
Noise can be harmful to children's hearing, learning, speech and mental health.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which you cannot see, smell or taste. Exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Some toys and other consumer products may contain harmful toxins. It is important to check current recalls to find out if the products you are using are safe.
Well water can contain harmful contaminants such as lead, arsenic and nitrates. It is important to test well water at least once a year to ensure that your well water is safe.
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