Kids are uniquely vulnerable to many chemicals in the environment, and even low levels of exposure have the potential to disrupt child development, leading to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, or asthma.

“There are safe and simple steps that people can take to limit their exposure to chemicals of greatest concern,” Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health and a member of the Division of Environmental Medicine, tells iHeartRadio. For example, Dr. Trasande suggests avoiding microwaving plastic. “Microscopic contaminants can get into food when you microwave plastic, even if a container says it’s microwave-safe.” Other suggestions include limiting canned food consumption, eating organic foods, and avoiding machine dishwashing plastic containers for food.

Dr. Trasande, who is also director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics, says he seeks to raise awareness about environmental exposures so that people can decide what needs to be done to protect their health. “Ultimately, it’s my work seeing patients at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital that drives me to continue the research that I do and try to make the change that I want to see.”

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