2005 CHILDREN'S CAMPAIGN > Children's Environmental Health
The unique vulnerability of children to hazardous chemicals is now well recognised by both the United Nations and the World Health Organisations, and international programs are now trying to address this problem. NTN would like to see Australia develop and implement similar policy relating to the environmental rights of children. Protecting the health of vulnerable sub-populations, and intergenerational equity, need to be built in to the 'day to day' core environment business.
 Intergenerational Equity in Action - NTN briefing paper July 2004 (rtf 172k)
Background : Persistent Bio-Accumulative Toxics
PRESS RELEASE (Word 35k)
MEDIA ALERT
16th November 2004
CHILDREN AT RISK FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS
National Toxics Network (NTN) today announced their campaign strategy to protect children’s environmental health from hazardous Persistent Bio-accumulative Toxins (PBTs) in Australian homes and environment. Leading toxic chemicals campaigners from around Australia converged on Canberra this weekend to finalise the campaign for 2005 to protect children’s health.
The campaign to protect to children from toxic chemicals will focus on:
- The banning of Persistent Bio-accumualtive Toxins (PBT) in Australia.
PBTs are found in domestic household furnishings, non-stick cookware, computers, stain resistant clothing and fabrics. PBTs cause cancers, reproductive damage and hormone disruptors.
- The development and implementation of a Children’s Environmental Protection Act in all states and territories. This Act aims to protect children from exposure to dangerous chemicals by setting standards that reflect their greater susceptibility.
- Establishing a Federal Office of Children’s Environmental Health
- A change to the constitution to incorporate a right to a healthy environment.
Such a provision would allow for current and future generations to have protection under the constitution from the adverse health impacts of toxic chemicals and other environmental concerns such as global warming.
Contacts:
National: Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, 02 6288 5881
NSW: Jo Immig, 02 6687 1900
Sydney: Elizabeth O’Brien, ph 02 9716 0014
Victoria: Dr Bro Sheffield-Brotherton, 03 9528 1957
Queensland: Dorothy Bowes, 07 3284 8742
Western Australia: Jane Bremmer, 08 6278 1447
|
