Chemicals to blame for the incoming silent epidemic. Experts describe the fact that toxic chemicals used in industry cause disorders in children's brain functions as a silent epidemic. Experts called for the development of a strategy for the planned limitation of toxic chemicals used in industry.
The researchers described the way these chemicals cause brain dysfunction in children as a silent epidemic.
Scientists state that although neurotoxins that are harmful to the child's brain continue to be identified, the use of these substances is largely uncontrolled.
In the past seven years, the scientific world has identified six new chemicals that harm the brain development of fetuses and young children. With these, the number of neurotoxins identified increased to 12. Experts estimate that 6 in 1 children worldwide suffer from a neurological developmental problem.
People's exposure to neurotoxins is becoming epidemic, says Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician in the Department of Public Health at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Landrigan states that damage to the brain at an early age leads to behavioral disorders as well as loss of intelligence and concentration. The expert adds that these effects are usually permanent in people.
Working with Phillipe Grandjean of the University of Southern Denmark, Landrigan said that in addition to the 12 approved substances, the number of substances suspected to affect neurological development in children increased from 202 to 214. Experts stated that none of the 80 substances used in the industry have been tested to see if they are safe.
Toxins include fire suppressants used in bed mattresses, as well as substances used in curtains, carpets, clothing, toys and cleaning supplies.
The researchers urged governments to pass strong legislation mandating companies to perform the necessary testing before making new chemicals available.
Identifying neurotoxins isn't all that difficult, Grandjean says. Saying that they have the necessary methods to test the effects of chemicals on brain development, the expert states that the problem is the lack of determination on whether these tests can be done on chemicals.
Landrigan said that the European Union has a strong chemical control law, and that prohibited cosmetic products containing harmful substances are sent to countries with weaker laws.
The paper by Landrigan and Grandjean on neurotoxins was published in the journal Lancet Neurology.
Source : americano
Günceleme: 20/02/2014 15:56
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