This report examines the role of toxic chemicals in contributing to developmental, learning, and behavioral disorders in children. Deficits in these areas are clearly the result of a complex interaction of social, genetic and environmental factors that impact children. The role of toxic exposures is a vitally important piece of the puzzle because these factors are potentially preventable causes of harm to our children.
Nearly 12 million children in the United States under the age of 18 suffer from one or more developmental, behavioral or learning disability. Research demonstrates that pervasive toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides and others can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders.
A review of the top twenty chemicals reported to be emitted under the 1997 Toxics Release Inventory reveals that 3/4 are known or suspected neurotoxins. Close to 1 billion pounds of emissions of these chemicals are released by facilities directly into the air or the water, to be inhaled, absorbed or otherwise ingested through our food and water supplies. Scientists are beginning to acknowledge and study the links between exposures to environmental toxicants and various behavioral and learning disorders.
This report frames the problem, reviews the clinical spectrum of learning and behavior disorders, discussess the public health implications and provides a summary of the key research on the link between these disorders and toxic chemicals. Additionally we present individual and collective action aimed at reducing exposures.
Learning Objectives: At the close of the session the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate the extent of the pervasive toxic chemical use in the US. 2. Recognize the epidemic of developmental, learning and behavioral disabilities which has become evident among children. 3. Discuss the complex interactions of the social/genetic and environmental influences. 4. Recognize that the Gene-environment interaction can trigger toxic health effects. 5. Describe environmental factors as potentially preventable causes of harm to our children. 6. Evaluate various methods of mitigating chemical exposure. 7. Analyze the scientific understanding of the effects of toxic exposures and it's deficiency in accurately predicting the impact of toxicants 8. Evaluate our regulatory regimes failure to protect children
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.