The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized a rule that will require the removal of all lead pipes from the country’s water systems. “We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan…  read on >  read on >

Teens from minority groups seeking treatment at pediatric trauma centers are more likely than their white counterparts to be tested for drugs and alcohol. That’s the takeaway from a new study led by researchers at UCLA and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  “While screening can positively affect patients if it is followed by counseling and treatment,…  read on >  read on >

THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 (HeathDay News) — Moms-to-be have long known about breast milk’s multiple benefits. Now, a global study confirms that antibodies passed from to baby in breast milk can indeed shield against disease. Immune system antibodies against one common infection, rotavirus, were especially protective, said a team from the University of Rochester in…  read on >  read on >

Even air pollution levels considered safe by U.S. standards appear to cause differences in the brains of growing children, a new review suggests. “We’re seeing differences in brain outcomes between children with higher levels of pollution exposure versus lower levels of pollution exposure,” said corresponding author Camelia Hostinar, an associate professor of psychology at the…  read on >  read on >

One in every three girls may not have access to menstrual products, something researchers are dubbing “period poverty.” “Our study highlights the widespread nature of period poverty and the need for broad actions — both locally and nationally — to increase the affordability and accessibility of these products for youth,” said study lead author Meleah…  read on >  read on >

Black American infants born with congenital heart disease are less likely to survive to the age of 1, compared to white babies with the condition, a new study finds. The research suggests that Black infants aren’t reaping the same benefit from recent advances against heart defects, the researchers said. From 2005 to 2019, “the death…  read on >  read on >

Read to your little ones. That’s the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) prescription for fostering loving, nurturing relationships during early infancy and early childhood — a time of critical brain development. “Reading together with young children weaves joyful language and rich interactive moments into the fabric of daily life,” said Dr. Perri Klass, a professor…  read on >  read on >