Chemicals found in food, plastic and even the air are POISONING our children, scientists claim
These chemicals are being introduced into people’s lives with little review of the associated dangers, the study warned
CHEMICALS found in food, plastic and even the air are poisoning our children, according to new research by American scientists.
Medical experts believe the toxic compounds can harm the brains of foetuses and growing kids, as well as lower children’s IQs.
The study warned that these chemicals are being introduced into people’s lives with little review of the associated dangers.
Lead, mercury, organophosphate pesticides used in farming, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) found in flame retardants, and phthalates, found in plastic bottles, food containers and beauty products raised the most concern.
Traffic pollution and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), once used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, have also raised alarm.
Professor Susan Schantz, of the University of Illinois, said: “These chemicals are pervasive, not only in air and water, but in everyday consumer products that we use on our bodies and in our homes.
“Reducing exposures to toxic chemicals can be done, and is urgently needed to protect today's and tomorrow's children.”
She continued: “The human brain develops over a very long period of time, starting in gestation and continuing during childhood and even into early adulthood.
“But the biggest amount of growth occurs during prenatal development.
“The neurons are forming and migrating and maturing and differentiating and if you disrupt this process, you're likely to have permanent effects.”
The use of PBDEs is restricted in the US and Europe due to concerns over health risks but the chemicals still exist in the atmosphere.
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Scientists studied expectant mums and their infants to determine whether prenatal exposure to phthalates and other chemicals leads to changes in the brain or behaviour.
Most pregnant women in America tested positive for exposure to phthalates and PBDEs, both of which disrupt thyroid hormone function, the researchers found.
Previous studies have linked exposure to certain phthalates with attention deficits, lower IQ and behavioural disorders in children.
Professor Schantz added: "Phthalates are everywhere, they are in all kinds of different products. We're exposed to them every day.
"For most chemicals, we have no idea what they're doing to children's neurodevelopment. They just haven't been studied."
The research was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.