Pediatric Environmental Health History

The physiology and behavior of children makes them more susceptible to the adverse effects of a variety of toxins. In decades past, most issues related to environmental exposure amongst children focused primarily on lead poisoning and second-hand smoke. Off late, the focus has shifted to health effects of other types of exposures as well, for instance, chemical irritants and allergens (e.g. formaldehyde resins), pesticides, and other toxins including indoor and outdoor air pollutants. The pediatric history covers a variety of screening questions that are asked during the first as well as follow-up visits, as relevant to the development stage of a child. Questions focus on finding the type of home and surrounding environment most frequented by the child as well as the occupation of the parents.