Environmental chemicals may cause brain disorders in children

According to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, toxic environmental chemicals may be triggering the recent increases in neuro-developmental disabilities among children, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and autism.

According to Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health at HSPH, “The greatest concern is the large numbers of children who are affected by toxic damage to brain development in the absence of a formal diagnosis. They suffer reduced attention span, delayed development, and poor school performance. Industrial chemicals are now emerging as likely causes.”

The same authors carried out research in 2006 which identified five industrial chemicals as “developmental neurotoxicants,” or chemicals that can cause brain deficits. Their latest research has identified new chemicals capable of causing harm to the brain, including fluoride, chlorpyrifos, DDT, tetrachloroethylene (a solvent), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants).

Unfortunately modern life is a bit of a chemical soup and it’s not possible to protect yourself completely from environmental pollutants. Your best strategy is to make sure your detoxification and elimination mechanisms are working optimally. Every toxin that enters your bloodstream must pass through your liver. Your liver is the cleanser and filter of your bloodstream, and if it is working well it can help protect your vital organs (such as your brain) from harm. Look after your liver.

Reference