North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautifully diverse state, from the beaches of the Outer Banks to the wilderness of the Appalachian mountains. The state boasts two of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. (Raleigh and Charlotte). Home to six major research universities and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina has a strong interest in environmental health. In 2006, it became one of the first states to require public schools to enact Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies to reduce pesticide use on school buildings and grounds. That bill, the NC School Children’s Health Act, also took significant steps to reduce children’s exposure to elemental mercury, diesel fumes, arsenic-treated wood, and mold & mildew at school. Many North Carolinians have been disproportionately exposed to PFAS in their drinking water and the state continues to grapple with remediation and strategies to end PFAS pollution. The state legislature has enacted policies to protect children from lead exposure and is considering policies to reduce exposures to toxic flame retardants, BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.