Washington (CNN) The Environmental Protection Agency children's health director who was recently placed on leave says she is concerned that to agency leadership, "maybe saving children doesn't matter anymore."

Dr. Ruth Etzel, a pediatrician whose three decades of work in children's health includes three years leading the EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection, said she was placed on leave with little explanation in late September.

"My job is kind of like being the chief lifeguard. I'm looking out for possible hazards to children and trying to prevent them," she told CNN's Jake Tapper on "Erin Burnett OutFront." "And if they don't want the chief lifeguard around, what does that mean for children?"

Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Etzel "was suspended while we investigate some allegations," but declined to comment further about the nature of the charges.

He also said the "important work" of the children's health office will continue, and an acting director is currently overseeing the staff.

Read More