Researchers are finding growing evidence of the linkage between chemical exposures and children's mental health.
For example, exposures to chemicals like lead, PFAS, and BPA are known to increase child mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. There is also a growing body of research showing that childhood exposure to air pollution can negatively impact mental health. In addition, there is increasing levels of research and awareness regarding the emotional toll of climate change on youth.
In this CHE Alaska webinar, Dr. Ashley James will join Viola “Vi” Waghiyi to explore this important topic.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Ashley James is a Physical Scientist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Richmond (‘18) and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health from Emory University (‘21).
Viola “Vi” Waghiyi is a Sivuqaq Yupik, Native Village of Savoonga Tribal Citizen, mother, and grandmother. Since 2002, she has worked with ACAT and serves as Environmental Health and Justice Director. She was appointed by President Biden to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) in April 2021. She is a nationally recognized environmental justice leader and is frequently invited to speak locally, nationally, and internationally. Vi serves as a leader of the Global Indigenous Peoples Caucus that advises the United Nation’s international delegates for treaties concerning persistent organic pollutants. She served as a member of the Environmental Health Sciences Council that advises the NIEHS.
This webinar is hosted by the CHE-Alaska Partnership, which is coordinated by Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT). Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing, and advocacy.