The Impact of Environmental Factors on Pediatric Health: A Maternal and Child Focus

Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to their environment due to their physical, biological, and behavioral characteristics. This makes an environmental approach to pediatric health both urgent and essential. To address this need, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu has established the Maternal and Child Environmental Health Unit within the Pediatrics Department, in collaboration with the Women’s Health Department. Its main objectives include providing care for patients and groups with specific environmental health needs, training healthcare professionals in environmental health, conducting clinical research, and raising awareness within the community while advising local, national, and international agencies.