14 DAY TRIAL // A recent study carried out by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine cautioned that chemical pollution may be extremely hard on the developing brains of infants by impairing them and bringing about neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, autism and other brain impairments which affect a child's behavior, mental and emotional health altogether.
"Other harmful consequences from lead exposure include shortened attention spans, slowed motor coordination and heightened aggressiveness, which can lead to problems in school and diminished economic productivity as an adult. And the consequences of childhood neurotoxicant exposure later in life may include increased risk of Parkinson's disease and other neurogenerative diseases," stressed lead author of the study Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor at Harvard School of Public Health.
Writing in The Lancet Journal, the team of scientists highlighted the fact that they have found 202 industrial chemicals which can damage infants' brain development and the capacity of human brain in general. Professor Philippe Grandjean warned that the developing brain of an infant can be extremely easily impaired by small amounts of toxic industrial chemicals: "The human brain is a precious and vulnerable organ. And because optimal brain function depends on the integrity of the organ, even limited damage may have serious consequences."
The team explained that toxic pollutants have a far more harmful effect on children's brain than on adult, already formed brain. This happens because the brain of an infant is still developing and toxic industrial chemicals interfere in the complex processes of the brain - the pollutants can disrupt some of these extremely important neurological processes and leave a permanent mark on the brain and the life of the child. This is why medical experts call on officials to introduce as soon as possible professional methods of testing and control of chemicals.
Grandjean stated that of the 202 industrial chemicals found to play a key-role in damaging developmental brain of children only 2 toxic substances, lead and mercury, are known and controlled up to present. Therefore, he concluded: "Even if substantial documentation on their toxicity is available, most chemicals are not regulated to protect the developing brain. Only a few substances, such as lead and mercury, are controlled with the purpose of protecting children. The 200 other chemicals that are known to be toxic to the human brain are not regulated to prevent adverse effects on the fetus or a small child."