Exposure to toxic chemicals in air, water, food and everyday products such as paints and flame retardants hampers children’s brain development and increases risks of developing neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, scientists have found for the first time.
In a consensus statement published in journal Environmental Health Perspectives, an alliance of scientists, health professionals and health advocates known as Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks) called for immediate action to reduce exposures to toxic chemicals and protect brain development now and for generations to come.
Neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability and learning and other disabilities.
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The chemicals and pollutants highlighted in the consensus statement as contributing to children’s learning, intellectual and behavioural impairments include organophosphate (OP) pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants and combustion-related air pollutants, which include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
Lead, with primary sources of water pipes and paint, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that is industrial chemicals commonly used in electrical equipment were also included in the list of pollutants.
“Ten years ago, this consensus wouldn’t have been possible, but the scientific research is now abundantly clear: toxic chemicals are harming our children’s brain development,” said Irva Hertz-Picciotto, co-director of Project TENDR.
“As a society, we can eliminate or significantly lower these toxic chemical exposures and address inadequate regulatory systems that have allowed their proliferation. These steps can, in turn, reduce high rates of neurodevelopmental disorders,” said Hertz-Picciotto, a professor at University of California, Davis.
Maureen Swanson, co-director of Project TENDR, added that broad-based collaboration was necessary to highlight the amount of evidence that is available on toxins and brain health.