Boston, Mass. – April 26, 2006) – A program by Massachusetts General Hospital to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke was recognized nationally by EPA.

The Mass. General program, called “Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure” (CEASE), was acknowledged by EPA at the second Children’s Environmental Health Excellence Awards ceremony held last week in Washington, D.C. CEASE was one of twenty-nine individuals and organizations that received Recognition Awards for their demonstrated commitment to protecting children from environmental health risks. "EPA is glad to recognize the individuals and organizations working to protect the environmental health of our children," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. "All growing children need clean air. Second-hand smoke can be especially harmful to children who suffer from asthma and other respiratory ailments.” CEASE works with child healthcare clinicians to address parental smoking through implementing strategies that link parents who want to quit smoking with state or national smoking cessation services. “The CEASE project team is honored to be chosen for the EPA Children's Environmental Health Recognition Award,” said Bethany Hipple, CEASE Project Director. According to Hipple, in recent studies, CEASE has been shown to be effective at increasing clinician assistance to parents who smoke as well as increasing parents' 24-hour and 7-day quit rates. At the ceremony, EPA also honored 14 organizations and individuals for their outstanding leadership in protecting children from environmental risks with Excellence Awards as well as presented a Champion Award to Dr. Philip J. Landrigan – a pioneer and leader in the field of children’s environmental health. EPA plays a significant role in protecting infants and children, who are more susceptible than adults to some environmental hazards, because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing. The Children's Environmental Health Awards are designed to recognize ongoing and sustainable dedication to, and notable leadership in, protecting children from environmental health risks at the local, regional, national and international level. More information about EPA's Healthy Hospitals program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/p2/h2e.htm Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

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