Health problems and disabilities such as asthma, birth defects, cancer, diabetes and infertility affect more than 100 million men, women and children, about one-third of the U.S. population. Scientific research shows that exposure to environmental contaminants may increase a person's risk for these and other health concerns. Pregnancy and early childhood are especially vulnerable times, but exposure throughout our lives may harm us.

We can be exposed to these contaminants through household products, the food we eat, air pollution from vehicles or factories, hazardous waste sites and other sources. We can find contaminants in our homes, communities, schools and workplaces.

With thousands of chemicals and other contaminants in use, more research is needed to understand how all these environmental contaminants affect human health. But there is enough evidence to know we need better public policy to prevent exposing people to contaminants that are-or may be-harmful to people's health.

Learn more in the following sections: