Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s up for the top job at the Department of Health and Human Services, made some eyebrow-raising statements during his Senate confirmation hearing this week. Let’s dive into the facts behind his claims.

Kennedy kicked things off by highlighting what he called a “crisis” in kids’ health across the U.S. He’s not wrong about the numbers—around 40% of children deal with chronic health issues, and that figure jumps even higher when obesity is factored in. Autism rates are also on the rise, with one in 36 children diagnosed, according to the CDC. Allergies, eczema, and Type 2 diabetes in kids are also becoming more common.

But here’s where it gets tricky. While Kennedy pointed to these stats to back up his concerns, experts aren’t all on the same page about what’s causing these spikes. Some blame lifestyle changes, while others point to environmental factors.

Then came the topic of COVID-19. In 2023, Kennedy suggested that the virus seemed to target certain ethnic groups while sparing others. This claim raised eyebrows and led to a heated exchange during the hearing.

The takeaway? While Kennedy’s concerns about children’s health are valid, the causes and solutions are far from clear-cut. As his nomination moves forward, these claims will likely continue to spark debate.