Industrial Chemicals cause damage to children
25 February 2008Industrial Chemicals Cause Damage to Children.
Children who are exposed to the thousands of synthetic chemicals in our environment are at greater risk of developing various health, behavior and learning problems. When the exposure takes place before birth or in the early months of life, the potential for damage is particularly high. What’s more, the research suggests that’s not only is the infant likely to be harmed, but succeeding generations may be impacted as well.
In 2007 two hundred scientists from around the world met at the Faroe Islands to share their findings and call for decisive steps to address the thousands of toxic chemicals in our environment that are causing harm. Industries and governmental agencies have resisted taking any action, claiming that there is little evidence of harm from the thousands of chemicals in our air, water, food and consumer products.
In the United States, a key figure in determining policy has been James L. Connaughton, Senior Environmental Advisor and Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. His appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in June of 2001. The Environmental Working Group reports “Before being appointed to this position, Connaughton was one of the Capitol Hill’s most successful lobbyists for the mining, chemical, industrial and asbestos industries.”
Of all the organs impacted by exposure, the developing brain is the most vulnerable. Not only is the child’s IQ likely to be reduced, the early exposure can impact on the muscles and nerves and possibly lead to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases later in life.
Exposure to lead, pesticides and cigarette smoke has been found to set a child up for ADHD symptoms.
The baby’s immune system and cardiovascular system can be damaged by chemical exposure and the reproductive system is especially vulnerable.
If an infant’s metabolic system is damaged by such chemicals he will have a difficult time using nutrients appropriately, putting him at risk for obesity and diabetes.
Among chemicals named as most hazardous by the researchers are: pesticides, lead, arsenic, mercury, flame retardants and PCB’s.
Prenatal Exposure to Cigarettes
Researchers at the University of Washington studied a group of 133 children ages 7 to 15 with behavioral disorders. They found that children whose mother’s smoked during their pregnancy or whose mother’s were exposed to second-hand smoke during the pregnancy had more severe behavior problems than those who did not have the exposure. They believe that exposure to nicotine could make the child more likely to exhibit impulsive behaviors.
Reprinted from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States, http://www.feingold.org/
Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com
top