IN HARM'S WAY: TOXIC THREATS TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Learning, behavioral and developmental disabilities including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism prevent our children from reaching their full human potential. Seventeen percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities. These disorders have widespread societal implications, from health and education costs to the repercussions of criminal behavior. Though trends are difficult to establish with certainty, there is a growing consensus that learning and behavioral disorders are increasing in frequency.

These disabilities are clearly the result of complex interactions among genetic, environmental and social factors that impact children during vulnerable periods of development. Research demonstrates that pervasive toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, solvents, and others, can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders. Human exposure to neurotoxic substances is widespread. A review of the top twenty chemicals reported released under the 1997 Toxics Release Inventory reveals that nearly three-quarters are known or suspected neurotoxicants. Over a billion pounds of these neurotoxic chemicals were released on-site by facilities into the air, land or water. As our knowledge about these neurotoxic chemicals has increased, the “safe” threshold of exposure has been continuously revised downward. Toxic exposures deserve special scrutiny because they are preventable causes of harm.

In collaboration with Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and Clean Water Fund, California, San Francisco Bay Area Physicians for Social Responsibility has embarked on a project to educate health practitioners in the Bay Area about environmental toxicants and their links to neurodevelopmental disabilities in children.

Click below to learn more about educational training opportunities in the Bay Area or to order companion educational materials.