About the PEHSU Program > PEHSU History & Operations
The PEHSU program was created in 1998 by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Executive Order 13405, "Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks.” These partnering federal agencies operate through a cooperative agreement with a national organization to manage the PEHSU operations and ensure its success.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) serves as the PEHSU National Program Office (NPO). The AAP was founded over 90 years ago to serve as an independent forum to address children’s unique health needs. The AAP is a nonprofit, professional membership association representing more than 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists. As the NPO, the AAP coordinates and supports each of the regional PEHSUs. Program partners at the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) support the work of the NPO by providing additional technological and content expertise. The NPO works closely with the PEHSUs to effectively address the complex, multifaceted environmental health challenges facing children and families.