Toxicity and neuro-developmental effects in children
It has been found that millions of children around the world are afflicted by neuro-developmental disabilities that seem to be on the increase.
These include autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and other cognitive impairments. Two of the leading toxicology experts in the world are calling for a governments around the world to take the risks of widespread industrial chemicals seriously as they are affecting the development of children’s brains.
Dr. Philippe Grandjean of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and Dr. Philip Landrigan of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, say that “the number of recognized chemical causes of neuro-developmental disorders, such as autism, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, and cerebral palsy, has doubled from 6-12 in the past seven years.” During this period, they note that the list of unregulated chemicals found in everyday items such as toys, furniture and clothing impacting the brain, has increased from 202 to 214.
The States and Canada are far behind the European Union in expanding the banning and controlling of chemicals that are harmful to good health. That is largely because not all chemicals are tested for harmful toxicity. It has been shown that children’s brains are affected in the womb by toxins that pregnant women are exposed to.