Written by Dr Sharyn Martin for ASEHA Qld Inc 2005

Approximately 100,000 synthetic chemicals are being commercially produced with 1500 new chemicals being introduced each year (UK Royal Commission www.rcep.uk.org). The majority of these chemicals have not been adequately tested for their effects on human adult health much less tested for their impact on children and the developing fetus. We are exposed to many of these in our homes in the form of consumer products such as TVs & computers, children’s toys, furniture, carpets & other types of flooring, cosmetics, fragrances etc.

It is no longer in doubt that these chemicals in our environment are adversely affecting the health and development of children. In 2002 the WHO and UNEP reviewed the impact of the environment on children’s health and estimated that ‘approximately 3 million children under the age of five die every year, due to environmental hazards’.

What are the health effects in children

In the US it is estimated that nearly 17% (12 million) children under age 18 suffer one or more learning, developmental, or behavioural disabilities. In Australia the rate of developmental and behavioural disorders is 15% of children aged 4 to 12 years. It is becoming increasing evident that low level exposures to environmental toxins are linked with less obvious symptoms of toxicity such as intellectual impairment, behavioural problems, spontaneous abortions and preterm births. Existing toxicological testing that uses endpoints such as death, body weight or organ dysfunction, may miss less obvious effects such as mood changes, impulsive behaviours and attentional problems that are becoming associated with exposure to environmental toxins.

The health impact on children from exposure to hazardous chemicals in the environment is increasing and includes.

v         Asthma. The 2^nd most prevalent chronic condition among children.

v         Birth defects

v         Hypospadias (displaced urethral opening)

v         Behavioural disorders

v         Learning disabilities

v         Autism

v         Cancer

v         Dysfunctional immune system

v         Neurological impairments

v         Reproductive disorders

v         ADHD. Most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder in the US, prevalence maybe 17% for all school age children

v         Changes in sexual maturation and fertility

o         Girls in US entering puberty earlier than standard age in textbooks

o         Decline in sperm counts over 2^nd half of 20^th century

 What chemicals are we talking about?

Best Documented Chemicals

·          Methyl mercury

·          Tobacco

·          Lead, Mercury, Nitrates, Arsenic and fluoride

·          Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) including PCBs and DDT

·          Pesticides

 Other man made synthetic chemicals that are being increasingly used in a wide number of applications include

·          Phthalates

·          Alkylphenols

·          Organontins

·          Brominated Flame Retardants

·          Synthetic Musks

·          Volatile Organic Compounds. These account for the largest source of variability in exposures.

 They are additives in consumer products that are bought and used everyday such as

·          Textiles

·          Carpets and curtains

·          Computer and other electronic equipment

·          Personal Care Products

·          Baby Care Products

·          Household Cleaning Products

·          Toys

Where else are the chemicals found?

·          Breast Milk

·          Infant cord blood

·          Blood and urine of adults and children

·          Food

·          Soil

·          Water

·          House dust

·          Air

The chemicals identified in US and UK House Dust Studies - phthalates, alkyphenols, pesticides, polybrominated flame retardants, organotins & perfluorinated surfactants all are endocrine or hormone disruptors that can cause adverse health effects in humans and animals or their offspring.

 Why are Children more vulnerable to chemical pollutants?

There are stages throughout a child’s life where they are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effect of chemicals. A child’s exposure to environmental chemicals is insidious and may begin during the prenatal phase (pregnancy) and continue during infancy from direct ingestion of breast milk and other dietary sources, as well as house dust and soil. Chemicals have a high affinity for fatty tissues resulting in significant exposure through food. A child’s ‘dose’ per body weight is likely to be much higher than adults.

 A child’s lifecycle progresses through the following stages

1.       Pregnancy (Fetal development)

2.       Infancy and Early childhood,

3.       School Age

4.       Adolescence.

Children are not uniformly exposed to environmental risk factors. During each of these stages children will be in contact with and exposed to a vast array of chemicals. Different chemicals or chemical classes can affect different organs, hormonal systems and biochemical pathways. Those chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors will have a variable effect depending on the age and stage of hormonal development.

 A mother’s exposure to chemicals can affect the development of the child dependent on the stage of the pregnancy. Exposure to certain chemicals during the early months of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of mental retardation and learning disorders. Toxins of special concern to women of child bearing age include industrial pollutants such as mercury (primary source fish consumption) and common ingredients in Personal Care Products.

 What you can do. http://www.oztoxics.org/ntn/kids05.html

For more information on the Australian 2005 Children Health Campaign go to   http://www.oztoxics.org/ntn/kids05.html

Parents can do a lot to protect their children from chemical hazards simply by changing their own personal behavior and consumption patterns. Some simple steps include:

·          Adopt a precautionary approach to children's environmental health by reducing chemical use in your home, including eliminating unwanted or unnecessary cleaning products, fragrances, personal products, garden pesticides, pet care and household insect control.

·          Become a conscientious purchaser when buying household goods, children’s toys and clothing. This can help avoid the toxic products used in stain protection and non stick cookware. Before purchase, check all computers and household white goods to ensure they do not contain hazardous brominated flame retardants.

·          Review the family’s diet to include more foods that are low in the food chain and do not include as many animal fats, as well as increasing the quantity of organic and home grown produce consumed.  Avoid processed foods i.e. packets, cans, frozen and fast foods.

·          Try to avoid foods full of artificial sweetener, caffeine, colourings, and flavourings of unknown toxicity.

·          Be aware that food packaging such as, plastic containers, plastic wraps, plastic lined tins and take away food packaging contribute to the toxic body burden.

·          Try to ensure your child’s day care center or school is free of toxic cleaning agents and pesticides.