By John Bowden and Miranda Green - 09/26/18 09:54 AM EDT
The US Environmental Protection agency ( EPA ) has placed the Director of the Office of Children ’s Health Protection ( OCHP ) on administrative leave without explanation . Critics believe the action may signal a desire to close the office , which the EPA denies . Sources within the EPA claim the action is the latest attempt to undermine the Office . A multi - agency study on toxic lead exposure , funded by the OCHP last year , has allegedly been delayed by the Trump administration . In February , it was disclosed that the EPA was merging a federal office that tests the effects of chemical exposure with three other offices .