A neurotoxic is any substance that adversely affects the structure or functional workings of the nervous system, they are all around us, but children fall prey much easier than adults.
Children today are exposed to thousands of newly developed synthetic chemicals, many of these hazardous compounds aren�t regulated to protect children, like lead and mercury are.
There is startling evidence that these industrial pollutants are slowing out nations children�s development, even dropping IQ score and opening the way to attention and behavior disorders. These industrial compounds can have a neurotoxic effect, that is, affect the nerve�s of children in particular because of a lack of safety regulations.
Millions of children are already likely to have been exposed to these dreaded industrial toxins found in lead, mercury PCB�s and certain pesticides.
Lead has been shown to cause reductions in children's IQ�s, reading and learning disabilities.
We know that lead is associated with increased risk for antisocial behavior in childhood and can be and indicator of adult criminal behavior.
The National Academy of Sciences reported that 15,000 of the chemicals registered for commercial use with the EPA held moderate to high potential for human exposure back in 1984.
No national data on the prevalence of ADHD among children exists at present, but a number of studies involving children have lead experts to agree that close to 5% of children could have the disorder.
A national household survey by the CDC shows: 6.5% of children under the age of 18 had one or more learning disabilities (like as dyslexia); 6.5% had emotional or behavioral problems lasting over 3 months; 4% suffered delayed growth and development including mental retardation.
Research on children's epidemiological health and development has fallen behind other research because children's diseases are relatively rare and the dysfunctions experienced can be subtle and very hard to measure.
We all can suffer from the effects of neurotoxins in our environment, but children are at greater developmental risk since the sources are not always readily known. As more industrial pollutants are dumped into our fragile environment daily, sources come from near and far with many toxins all but impossible to track in origin.
With the ever evolving state of industrial and environmental pollution from all forms of chemicals, it becomes an extremely difficult job for any person, especially a parent to safeguard their offspring. Understanding the nature of your local area and household environment is critical. Know what is in everything that comes in contact with your children. From food to toys. Always insist on natural and organic products when practical. We wary of toys. Toys are usually made of plastic, petrochemical based products which if licked or consumed can be detrimental.
Be cognicent of the area they play in whether inside or out. Check the area for unseen potentially hazardous compounds and products.
Neurotoxins are here to stay, as a parent, remember, we are our children�s first line of defense.
Page Remick is lead reviewer for Pure Zing, the Internet's only natural and organic products review site. Remick and the PZ team search for unique and artisanal products that are not mass-produced and found on every grocery store or health food store shelf in the country.
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