Persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic contaminants pose particular risks for developing infants and children. These pollutants include methyl mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and chlorinated pesticides. Children are particularly affected because they are exposed in utero and as infants through lactation. They are particularly vulnerable because many of these substances cause developmental effects. Environmental policies have not generally recognized the significance of the PBT contaminants, either in terms of their persistent in the environment over time or their particular effects at low doses during critical windows of exposure. This is beginning to change, both in the US through the development of strategies to control PBT pollutants, and internationally through the development of international agreements including a treaty being negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations that would establish controls over persistent, organic pollutants (POPs.) This session will review progress in these areas and articulate a basis for precautionary policy for substances that have disparate impacts on children.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to recognize the principal forums for development of precautionary policies for persistent, bioaccumulative toxic substances. 2. Participants will be able to describe and evaluate the policies developed to date
Keywords: Children's Health, Policy/Policy Development
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.