Chemicals cause silent pandemic
Polly Ester Cotton | 10.11.2006 02:57 | Analysis | Ecology | Health | World
The combined evidence suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders caused by industrial chemicals has created a silent pandemic.
According to recent studies published in the medical journal, The Lancet, commonly-used chemicals are causing a significant rise in developmental brain disorders including autism, ADHD and cerebral palsy.
Research identified 202 potentially harmful chemicals, including mercury, solvents, and pesticides, that are most likely to be contributing to the dramatically rising pandemic of irreversible neurological disorders. Although, they estimate that there are more than 1,000 chemicals that are known to be neurotoxic in animals, and are also likely to be harmful to humans.
Developing brains are much more susceptible to toxic chemicals than those of adults, according to the researchers, and developing foetuses are at the highest risk. The report said;”The combined evidence suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders caused by industrial chemicals has created a silent pandemic”.
As many as one in six children are said to be affected today. Although toxic exposure can also have delayed consequences as well, causing Parkinson's disease or other neurological diseases in adults.
Research identified 202 potentially harmful chemicals, including mercury, solvents, and pesticides, that are most likely to be contributing to the dramatically rising pandemic of irreversible neurological disorders. Although, they estimate that there are more than 1,000 chemicals that are known to be neurotoxic in animals, and are also likely to be harmful to humans.
Developing brains are much more susceptible to toxic chemicals than those of adults, according to the researchers, and developing foetuses are at the highest risk. The report said;”The combined evidence suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders caused by industrial chemicals has created a silent pandemic”.
As many as one in six children are said to be affected today. Although toxic exposure can also have delayed consequences as well, causing Parkinson's disease or other neurological diseases in adults.
Polly Ester Cotton
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