The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74784

Ted Schettler, MD, MPH, Science and Environmental Health Network, 84 water st, newburyport, MA 01950, 978-462-4092, tschettler@igc.apc.org

Learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and emotional and behavioral problems are among childhood disabilities of increasing concern. Interacting genetic, environmental, and social factors are important determinants of childhood brain development and function. For many reasons, however, studying neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities in children is challenging. Moreover, inadequate incidence and trend data interfere with full understanding of the magnitude of the problem. Despite these difficulties, extensive laboratory and clinical studies of several neurodevelopmental toxicants, including lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, alcohol, and nicotine, demonstrate the unique vulnerability of the developing brain to environmental agents at exposure levels that have no lasting effect in adults. Historically, understanding the effects of these toxicants on the developing brain has emerged slowly while generations of children are exposed to unsafe levels. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, neurodevelopmental toxicity data are missing for most industrial chemicals in widespread use, even when population-wide exposures are documented. The personal, family, and community-wide costs of developmental disabilities are profound. In addition to the need for more research, a preventive public health response requires mitigation of exposures to potential neurodevelopmental toxicants when available evidence establishes the plausibility of harm, despite residual toxicologic uncertainties.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to:
• 1) Describe the current science regarding toxic threats to brain development and the ongoing questions and complexities in this area of research;
• 2) Describe how neurotoxicants, including lead, mercury, solvents and pesticides, may contribute to the occurrence of a many different learning and developmental disabilities; and
• 3) Identify policy activities underway to translate the science into effective policies that can eliminate known and suspected neurotoxicants and protect the health of current and future generations.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.