The Healthy Children Project

Learning Disabilities Association of America

http://www.healthychildrenproject.org/

The LDA's Healthy Children Project is dedicated to reducing the effects of environmental contaminants on brain development, especially in children. A growing body of research indicates that many learning and behavior problems are linked to toxic chemicals which are widespread in the environment and products, and to which we are exposed on a daily basis.

The Learning Disabilities Association created the Healthy Children Project to:

·  Raise awareness of environmental factors, particularly toxic chemicals, that can harm brain development, contributing to learning disabilities and behavior disorders,

·  Prevent toxic chemical exposures,especially among pregnant women and children,

·  Build a nationwide network of LDA members working to protect children's health and reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations.

Children More At Risk From Toxic Chemicals

Children are not "little adults" - their developing brains and bodies, their metabolism and behaviors make them uniquely vulnerable to harm from toxic chemicals.

·  Exposure begins in the womb through the mother's expsoures to toxic chemicals. Infants ingest chemicals through breast milk, formula and contact with their environment.

·  Rapid brain development in the fetus, infants and young children make them more susceptible to harm from chemicals that may impair brain function and development.

·  For their weight, children eat, drink and breathe more than adults - so pound for pound they take in a greater quantity of toxic contaminants. A small exposure translates into a big dose.

·  Children put things in their mouths and spend a lot of time on the floor and ground, so they may ingest chemicals from toys, containers, dirt and dust on a regular basis

Toxic Chemicals Linked to Learning Disabilities

There are 3000 chemicals produced at more than one million pounds per year. The U.S. does not require chemical manufacturers to test any chemicals for neurological effects. Of these 3000 chemicals, we now know that 10 are definite neurotoxins - meaning they impair brain development and function. There is good evidence that another 200 of these chemicals are also neurotoxins.

Two of the most well-known neurotoxins are alcohol and nicotine. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, now considered part of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, is the most preventable form of behavioral and learning disabilities. Smoking during pregnancy and exposure to secondhand smoke are also preventable causes of behavioral disorders and developmental delays.

Chemicals Known to Harm Brain Development

·  Lead: Found in old paint in older houses and buildings, also found in toys, jewelry, lead pipes and lead sinkers. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children.

·  Mercury: Released into air from coal-fired power plants, also found in medical equipment, switches and fluorescent bulbs. Mercury falls into the water, where it accumulates in fish. The main source of exposure for people is through eating fish.

·  PAHS: Air pollutants from fuel combustion in vehicles, coal-fired power plants, heating and cooking. These air pollutants are also found in tobacco smoke.

·  PCBs: Used to make electrical transformers. Banned in the late 1970s, but persistent in the environment and still widely found in lakes, rivers, soil, fish and people.

·  PBDEs: Certain flame retardants added to furniture, electronics, clothing and other products. PBDEs accumulate in household dust and have been found in breastmilk. THe state of Washington and Maine have banned all PBDE flame retardants.

·  Manganese: A trace element that at high levels, either in drinking water or through exposure to welding fumes, can damage brain development.

·  Arsenic: Found in drinking water around the world, arsenic affects neurodevelopment in children.

·  Pesticides: Used to kill insects,plants, fungi or animals on crops, lawns, homes, schools and office buildings. U.S. pesticide use in agriculture and homes totals more than one billion pounds per year.

·  Solvents: An array of compounds,including toluene, benzene, alcohol, turpentine, acetone and TCE, found in products such as gasoline, lighter fluid, lubricating oils, paint strippers and thinners, glues, polishes, cleaners, stains and shellacs.

Chemicals Under Investigation for Effects on Brain Development

·  Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that disrupt the hormonal system, including Phthalates and Bisphenol A (both of which are widely used in plastics), PCBs, PBDEs, dioxins and organochlorine pesticides.

·  Food Additives (Dyes and Preservatives): Used throughout the food supply and long suspected of causing conduct disorders and hyperactivity. Under study for effects on neurodevelopment, cognition and behavior.

·  Fluoride: Commonly added to municipal drinking water and in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Excessive fluoride lowers thyroid hormone levels. Primary concerns are cumulative exposures and determining levels that may affect neurodevelopment.

For more information on chemicals that harm brain development and function, see "Scientific Consensus Statement"; at www.iceh.org