In Harm's Way

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http://www.igc.org/psr/ihw.htm

New Project Addresses Toxic Chemical Influences on Developmental

Disabilities

Learning, behavioral and developmental disabilities including Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism prevent our children from

reaching their full human potential. Seventeen percent of children in the

United States have been diagnosed with one or more developmental

disabilities. These disorders have widespread societal implications, from

health and education costs to the repercussions of criminal behavior. Though

trends are difficult to establish with certainty, there is a growing

consensus that learning and behavioral disorders are increasing in

frequency.

These disabilities are clearly the result of complex interactions among

genetic, environmental and social factors that impact children during

vulnerable periods of development. Research demonstrates that pervasive

toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides,

solvents, and others, can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive

disorders. Human exposure to neurotoxic substances is widespread. A review

of the top twenty chemicals reported released under the 1997 Toxics Release

Inventory reveals that nearly three-quarters are known or suspected

neurotoxicants. Over a billion pounds of these neurotoxic chemicals were

released on-site by facilities into the air, land or water. As our knowledge

about these neurotoxic chemicals has increased, the " safe " threshold of

exposure has been continuously revised downward. Toxic exposures deserve

special scrutiny because they are preventable causes of harm.

(Facts are referenced in the report In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child

Development)

Access the report online at the website above.