On May 22, 2025, the White House released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment (MAHA Report). This eye-opening document lays out four major drivers behind the rise in chronic illness among American children. It’s a call to action for policymakers – and for every parent, teacher, and community leader who cares about the health of the next generation.

Let’s take a look at what the MAHA Report reveals about everyday environmental toxins that are affecting children’s health.

The MAHA Report was commissioned by Executive Order 14212 by the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Robert F. Kennedy. Designed to investigate the root causes of the chronic illness crisis among U.S. children, this 73-page report lays the foundation for future policy changes.

The MAHA Report points out four major factors contributing to the explosion of chronic health conditions: poor nutrition, chronic stress, overmedicalization, and environmental toxins. While many of us are already aware of the risks posed by things like pesticides and microplastics, one environmental factor is often overlooked – electromagnetic radiation (EMR), also commonly referred to as electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.

Because we can’t see it, smell it, or touch it, electromagnetic radiation tends to fly under the radar. However, our children are surrounded by a growing web of these fields from wireless signals, smart devices, and cellular infrastructure that could be shaping their health in ways we’re only beginning to understand. The MAHA Report acknowledges this electromagnetic environment as a potential contributor to rising health concerns in children.

Science around EMR is still evolving. The MAHA Report calls for precaution, citing the National Institute of Health’s National Toxicology Program, which “identified ‘clear evidence’ of DNA damage and increased cancer risk in rats.” It also references a recent systematic review of over 50 studies that resulted in "inadequate evidence" on the impact of EMFs in children, calling for more high-quality research.

It is encouraging to see the MAHA Report shine a spotlight on this often overlooked environmental toxin. With the public eye on EMFs, we hope to see further research that can provide a clearer picture of how electromagnetic radiation affect children’s health.

And just as we’ve learned to purify our air and filter our water, we can take the same approach to our electromagnetic environment with Aires. Aires devices don’t block or shield against EMFs, but optimize our digital space by reshaping EMFs into a form more compatible with our bodies. It cleans the invisible space between us and our devices, creating a bridge between tech and wellness.

Children are surrounded by synthetic chemicals – in food, clothing, bedding, toys, and even the air they breathe. While not all chemical exposure is inherently harmful, the MAHA Report points out that even low-level exposure to certain chemicals is linked with rising rates of asthma, metabolic issues and immune dysregulation. The two major culprits identified in the report are phthalates and bisphenols .

• Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They’re found everywhere, in vinyl flooring, food packaging, some synthetic fabrics, medical tubing, cosmetics, shampoos, and even household dust. Research has shown that continuous exposure to certain phthalates can interfere with hormone function and lead to developmental problems – especially for babies in utero and infants. The FDA has restricted some uses in food packaging, but phthalates are still widespread.

• Bisphenols : Bisphenols – including the well-known BPA – are a group of industrial chemicals used to make certain plastics and resins. These are commonly found in food and drink containers, and studies have shown that bisphenols can act as endocrine disruptors. Public pressure has led to bans on bisphenols in certain products, but many “BPA-free” items still contain similar compounds whose safety is not well studied.

Here are a few steps to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals at home:

• Choose glass or stainless steel for food and drink storage

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers

• Use phthalate-free personal care products

• Minimize synthetic materials in children’s clothes and bedding

We know clean air and water are foundational for a child’s health, but there are clear threats to these essential systems such as industrial byproducts and agricultural runoff. The MAHA Report highlights concerns about how exposure to environmental toxins through air and water could be contributing to chronic conditions.

Specifically, the report cites crop protection tools such as pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. These chemicals are widely used in farming, landscaping, and even home gardening. They might help control pests and increase crop yields, but they also leave behind residues that make their way into our food, air, and water.

Large-scale monitoring programs from the FDA and USDA have consistently found that the majority of food samples (over 90%-99%) are “compliant” with federal safety standards. However, “compliance” doesn’t always mean “no risk,” especially for sensitive populations. While these safety guidelines are based on currently available science, a new federal health assessment of common herbicides is expected in 2026.

Children may be exposed to these chemicals not just through diet, but also through:

• Lawn treatments and gardening products

• Contaminated runoff entering local water sources

• Airborne particles, especially near areas of heavy pesticide use

• Wash produce thoroughly, or choose organic when possible

• Avoid chemical lawn care products, especially near children’s play areas

• Support policies that reduce pesticide use near schools and neighborhoods

• Use quality water filters

Like with many environmental exposures, the science is always evolving. Still, many experts agree: minimize unnecessary exposure, especially during early childhood.

The MAHA Report also highlights how environmental factors and behavior play off one another. Overall, children today move less, eat more processed foods, and experience chronic stress earlier and more frequently than past generations. The report highlights several contributors to this stress – including early smartphone use, social media pressure, and a decline in meaningful in-person interactions.

When kids struggle, the first approach is often medication. This report raises questions about the growing reliance on psychiatric drugs and other medications in children, calling for a reset in how we approach health.

The MAHA report emphasizes the importance of the environments in which we’re raising our kids. It encourages us to ask the important questions and think about what small shifts we can make to clean, simplify, and strengthen their daily lives.

There’s no perfect path, only better ones. The MAHA Report gives a look into what could be contributing to childhood illness and asks: what can we do differently? As we embrace tools and habits that support wellness instead of working against it, we can begin to clean up our homes, our communities, and the invisible environments shaping our children’s lives.