Exposure to widespread environmental toxicants and children’s cognitive development and behavioral problems

Abstract

Nowadays a special attention is focused on prenatal and childhood exposures to a variety of contaminants in the environment, especially toxicants widely present in the environment and their impact on children's health and neurodevelopment. This article aims at evaluating the impact of exposure to several widespread toxicants including: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants and gas cooking on children's cognitive development and behavioral problems by reviewing most recent published literature. Epidemiological studies focusing on exposure to widespread toxicants and children's development for the last eleven years were identified by a search of the PubMed, Medline, Ebsco and Toxnet literature bases. The combination of following key words was used: 1) referring to the exposure: pregnancy, prenatal exposure, postnatal exposure, gas cooking, exposure to phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants, PAHs and 2) referring to outcome: neurodevelopment, neurobehavior, psychomotor development, behavioral problems, cognitive development, mental health, school achievements, learning abilities. The results from the presented studies suggest that there are strong and rather consistent indications that the developing nervous system is particularly vulnerable to insult from low levels of exposure to widespread environmental contaminants such as: phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, gas cooking. Considering the suggested health effects, more epidemiologic data is urgently needed and, in the meantime, precautionary policies must be implemented.

Exposure to lipophilic chemicals as a cause of neurological impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases

“…These include persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – polychlorinated bipehenyls (PCBs) (Kodavanti 2005; Gascon et al, 2013; Faroon et al, 2001; Buters et al, 2007; Fitzgerald et al, 2012; Chia & Chu, 1984); organochlorine pesticides (OCs) (Jurewicz et al, 2013b; Moses et al, 2010; Iwaniuk et al, 2006; Colosio et al, 2003; Lee et al, 2008b); dioxins and furans (Kodavanti 2005), and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as fire retardants (Kodavanti 2005; Buters et al, 2007; Fitzgerald et al, 2012; Widholm et al, 2003; Thomke et al, 1999; Michalek et al, 2001; Sweeney et al, 1993); BPA, widely used in the manufacture of plastic food containers and other applications (Viberg et al, 2011; White et al, 1997; Viberg et al, 2012; Yolton 2011); phthalates, widely used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (Jurewicz et al, 2013a; Le Cann et al, 2011; Yolton et al, 2011), which are exuded from plastics; low molecular weight aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (LMWHCs) and their chlorinated products which evaporate from gasoline, adhesives, paints and household products (Viaene, 2002; Maruff et al, 1998; Burbacher, 1993; ATSDR, 2001; Lammers et al, 2011); and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which come from primary and secondary tobacco smoke inhalation and fuel combustion (ATSDR, 1995; He et al, 2012; Patri et al, 2009; Krivoshto et al, 2008). …”

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metal Levels in Mothers Breast Milk in Famagusta, Cyprus

“…Furthermore, introduction of regulations to prevent potential contaminations is essential. Due to the increased vulnerability of infants, the determination of toxic contaminant levels in breast milk is important [61][62][63].…”

Maternal Thyroxine Levels During Pregnancy and Outcomes of Cognitive Development in Children

“…The exact cause of delayed cognitive development in children is still uncertain but its etiology is likely to be complex and may be caused by multifactorial interactions. Previous studies have found several risk factors for delayed cognitive function in children, such as low parental literacy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and exposure to environmental toxicants [3][4][5][6]. Thyroid hormones play a major role in the neurodevelopment of fetuses, infants, and children [7][8][9].…”