Brain Development And Toxic Chemicals

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Autism;  ADHD;  Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 05 Feb 2010 - 2:00 PDT

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The Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (LDDI) released the first-ever biomonitoring report identifying toxic chemical pollution in people from the learning and developmental disability community. Mind, Disrupted: How toxic chemicals may affect how we think and who we are examines 61 toxic chemicals present in project participants in the context of rising rates of autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other learning and developmental disabilities.

"Given the increasing rates of learning and developmental disabilities -- particularly autism -- we need to recognize that the rising costs associated with long term care of disability, special education and related health care will only continue to grow," explained Jeff Sell, Esq, Vice President for Policy of the Autism Society and father of twin teen sons with autism.

"Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental exposures because their biological systems are still developing. During fetal development, exposures to even miniscule amounts of toxins at certain developmental windows can have lifelong health impacts," said Dr. Larry Silver, M.D., a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown at Georgetown Medical Center, accomplished self-advocate, and author of groundbreaking learning disabilities research. "By protecting children from toxic exposures, we can protect everyone. We need to create healthy environments to ensure all children can reach their full potential and contribute to society."

The report release was prior to a Senate Hearing on Feb 4, with the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health examines current science on public exposures to toxic chemicals.

Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is a diverse and growing coalition of 120 groups working to pass smart federal policies that protect us from toxic chemicals.

LDDI is an international partnership fostering collaboration among learning and developmental disability organizations, researchers, health professionals and environmental health groups to address concerns about the impact environmental pollutants may have on neurological health. LDDI currently has over 400 organizational and individual participants engaged in educational and policy efforts.

Source: Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative

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