An Update on Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units: Activities and Impacts, 2015-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) address health concerns impacting children and their families related to environmental hazards by providing consultation and education to families, communities, and healthcare professionals. This analysis evaluated productivity of the national PEHSU program.

METHODS: PEHSUs reported data on services provided to U.S. communities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis are presented.

RESULTS: During this period, 6,102 consultations and 4,644 educational outreach activities were recorded. PEHSU faculty and staff published 462 articles, reviews, book chapters, fact sheets, commentaries, short informational pieces, and other materials between 2014-2019. These included 190 articles in scientific peer-reviewed journals and 29 textbook chapters to increase professional capacity in pediatric and reproductive environmental health. Lead, other metals, substances of abuse, pesticides, mold, and air pollution were frequently reported as agents of concern and educational topics. Requests for an overview of pediatric environmental health and outdoor pollutants were other frequently reported topics.

DISCUSSION: PEHSUs work to decrease harmful exposures and improve children's health. They serve as expert resources for families, healthcare professionals, and communities on health effects related to environmental exposures. Data show the breadth and depth of concerns addressed and demonstrate the productivity and impact of this national program.

WHATS-NEW: In 2015-2019, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) doubled their average annual productivity as measured by numbers of consultations and training activities, compared with the previous ten years. PEHSUs continue to be a critical resource for healthcare professonals and communities.