Economics

Diseases that are triggered or aggravated by environmental pollutants not only cause suffering and death but can impose huge economic burdens. Too often costs to families and the healthcare system are hidden when policymakers are considering environmental regulations. Debates on health-protective policies consider costs to polluting industries and government agencies, but rarely account for the economic benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment. MCEA continues to build its capacity to incorporate economic analyses into its environmental health policy work. Protecting public health from environmental pollutants—especially children’s health—is not only a moral imperative, it’s a sound investment.