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

Abstract

The exposure to environmental chemical contaminants: lead, mercury, agrochemicals, PCBs, dioxins and BPA are characterized by situations of constant danger to healthy child development. Such substances exert toxic effects on multiple systems and organs, but scientific looks have been directed toward hormonal and neurobehavioral changes in childhood. The physiological needs and behavioral characteristics of the child raise the risk of childhood and adult disease from the exposure to these pollutants. Thus, this study made a brief review on the major toxic chemical contaminants, routes and forms of exposure and their possible associations with diseases in childhood. It has been observed that in recent decades, there have been few scientific advances, especially in emerging countries, regarding the understanding of the mechanisms involving the toxicity of one or multiplex biotics in low doses during the critical stages of development of the human organism. Further studies and efforts are suggested for the applicability of preventive measures and monitoring of indicators in children's environmental health by managers, health professionals and researchers around the world with the objective of reducing the risks of exposure of the child to environmental pollutants, in addition to diagnose and monitor health problems arising from this dangerous situation to the human life.