Current knowledge of environmental exposure in children during the sensitive developmental periods

Abstract

To identify the causes and understand the mechanisms involved in the genesis of these diseases is a challenge for science, as there is still a lack of knowledge on children's susceptibility to many environmental contaminants. Prevention policies and more research on child environmental health, improving the recording and surveillance of environmental risks to children's health, should be an ongoing priority in the public health field.

Exposure to Environmental Chemical Contaminants and Infant Diseases: Constant Hazard?

“…Inorganic species (methyl, ethyl, and dimethyl mercury) are about 100 to 1000 more toxic to humans than organic species. 4 Inorganic forms are also used in several industrial processes (industries of plastics, paper, medicines, paints, pesticides, wood preservatives, and petrochemicals). 7 Human exposure to mercury particles or residues can generate toxic effects on the kidneys, central nervous system, liver, heart, lungs, and DNA.…”

“…As a volatile compound, mercury can be inhaled by children, causing them to compromise the lung function and increase the number of hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections. 4 This situation is aggravated because children generally inhale a greater amount of air pollutants than adults due to the need for inhalation of a higher respiratory volume per minute, per kilogram of body weight, as a result of their increased basal metabolism. 8 The methylmercury may interfere in one or more of the critical stages of development of the nervous system (proliferation, migration, differentiation, synapse, myelination to apoptosis) causing temporary or irreversible damage to the cognitive, sensory and motor functions.…”

“…In addition, the excretion capacity of these substances is much smaller than in adults, causing these substances to remain in the body for a longer period. 4 Lead: Lead is another heavy metal accumulating in organisms, whose toxic potential can damage any biological activity and compartment. 9 This xenobiotic produces toxic effects on the peripheral nervous system and on the renal system of adults, and on the central nervous system of children, as well as other effects such as hypochromic microcytic anemia, hypertension, anorexia, reduced fertility, reduced physical growth and height in children.…”

“…There is greater distribution of these compounds to the organs and less amount is deposited in the adipose tissue. 1,4 The BPA can promote epigenetic, estrogenic, and neurobehavioral changes. 11 The PCBs are considered immunotoxic and they may induce changes in the T-dependent cell's response and favor the emergence of viral, autoimmune, allergic, and cancer in childhood and adulthood.…”

“…1,3 In the last decades, the contamination of the environment by chemical agents resulting from industrial activities, mineral exploration and agricultural production and, similarly, the increase in the prevalence of congenital malformations, asthma, cancer, neurological and behavioral disorders in children has raised great concern in populations and scientists. 3,4 Considering that the organism of the fetus, the newborn, and the child presents its physiological systems in the process of maturation, the acute and chronic exposure to toxic chemicals in these critical stages of development can cause reversible and irreversible damages to their physical and mental health. In this context, another worrying and quite current fact is the lack of scientific knowledge and its applicability in the area of neonatal and child healthcare about the mechanisms of action of persistent organic pollutants (pesticides, Dioxins and furanospoliclorates, biphenylspolyichlorates) and heavy metals (lead; mercury) as endocrine disrupters.…”