Environmental contaminants and children's health: Cause for concern, time for action

Abstract

The present paper provides an outline of the developmental and behavioural characteristics that make children, especially the fetus and young child, more vulnerable to contaminants than adults. The major categories of contaminants are briefly described. The evidence for their possible effects on neurobehavioural development; immune, endocrine and respiratory systems; childhood cancer based on research studies with animals; children exposed to catastrophic 'accidents' involving overdose exposures; and pregnant women and children from communities with high 'background' levels of contamination who participated in studies is reviewed. While the data are worrisome, especially for children living in northern and certain urban communities, much remains to be learned about possible subtle effects and the potential for long term effects of the current background contamination experienced by the majority of Canadian children before its significance to their health can be fully evaluated. The present regulatory processes, which are based on risk assessment, are so cumbersome and costly that the great majority of chemicals in use have not been fully evaluated, and the ingenuity of new chemical production continually exceeds the capacity to test the new chemicals. Moreover, despite past insistence on scientific proof of adverse effects and safety, unanticipated effects have occurred that will threaten the sustainability of human life unless more effective control measures are taken to limit the release of toxic substances and persistent chemicals into the environment. Therefore, the shortcomings of risk assessment are discussed, and the precautionary principle, which is used in some countries and is proposed for use internationally as an alternative measure that may offer improved control for the future, is outlined. Finally, opportunities for physician action are suggested.

Riscos químicos ambientais à saúde da criança

“…Since most health professionals do not have enough knowledge about the effects caused by exposures to chemical and physical agents, these specialized units play a crucial role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients, provision of information to the population, research, training of health professionals and implementation of preventive measures. 30 …”

“…It is high time pediatricians, along with other professionals, organizations such as environmental organizations, centers for information and toxicological assistance, and nongovernmental organizations for the protection of children and of the environment, actively struggle for legislative measures that properly protect our children and adolescents from environmental contamination by chemical agents. 9,30 Pediatricians may help promote better environmental health among their patients and in the community where they work in different ways. The inclusion of related topics in usual guidelines (e.g.…”

Environmental chemical hazards and child health

“…Como uma grande parte dos profissionais de saúde ainda tem deficiências em sua formação sobre os efeitos relacionados com exposições a agentes químicos e físicos, essas unidades especializadas exercem um papel fundamental no diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes, na informação da população, pesquisa, treinamento de profissionais e estabelecimento de políticas de prevenção 30 .…”

“…Essa tarefa não deve se restringir ao desenvolvimento de habilidades para a detecção de danos já estabelecidos à saúde ou implementação de medidas preventivas adequadas nos ambientes de convívio das crianças. É chegada a hora de os pediatras, juntamente com outros profissionais e instituições voltadas para o problema, como órgãos ambientais, centros de informação e assistência toxicológica e organizações não-governamentais voltadas para a criança ou para a defesa do meio ambiente, advogarem ativamente por medidas de ordem legislativa que protejam adequadamente nossas crianças e adolescentes quanto aos aspectos abordados neste texto 9,30 . Existem muitas formas de atuação através das quais o pediatra pode auxiliar na promoção de uma melhor saúde ambiental entre os seus pacientes e na comunidade onde atua.…”

Developmental Neurotoxicology: History and Outline of Developmental Neurotoxicity Study Guidelines

“…Not a little concern has been growing on adverse effects of xenobiotics which would be taken through maternal and/ or children's foods and drinks on the developing nervous system of fetuses, infants and/or children [1][2][3][4] . One of the most well-known examples is the neurological abnormalities caused by developmental exposures to methyl mercury.…”