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Which state you live in matters for how well environmental laws protect your health

Summary

The protection of children from pesticide exposure varies from state to state in the US due to different laws and regulations. Federal environmental health laws passed in the 1970s, many with bipartisan support, have retreated, with state policies becoming more important for limiting exposure to pollution and toxins. However, this creates regulatory patchwork and inequities across the country. Some states prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups from wildfire smoke, while others prefer fracking operations. States can serve as laboratories of innovation and can inform federal actions, but the experiences of state programs and policies can lead to uneven protection for vulnerable groups such as children

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