Posted by Michael A. Lesser on Jan 5, 2015 12:03:42 PM

childWhen it comes to children and brain health, all of the chemicals and contaminants we put into the atmosphere are wreaking havoc on normal brain development. A new video highlighting the effects of this toxic soup on children was released at a recent environmental conference in Canada. The video paints a sobering picture of the cumulative negative effects on children’s brain development of the seemingly small amounts of substances like lead, flame retardants, pesticides, and other chemicals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6KoMAbz1Bw

It’s one thing for an adult to have “a little bit” of a neurotoxin in their blood. It’s a far more dangerous thing for the developing brain of a child.  And experts are just starting to study how those toxins interact with one another when they are present together. The “Little Things Matter” project focuses on 6 neurotoxins: bisphenol A (BPA), lead, mercury, organophosphate pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a chemical flame retardant, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

But there are other substances in the environment that affect children’s brain health, as outlined in a 2014 study by Mr. Sinai doctors Phillippe Grandjean and Philip J. Landrigan published in The Lancet. They identified arsenic, chlorpyrifos, DDT, ethanol, fluoride, lead, manganese, methylmercury,  PCBs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene as industrial chemicals that injure the developing brains of children. Drs. Grandjean and Landrigan propose the creation of an international clearinghouse to coordinate the testing of all existing and newly developed industrial chemicals for brain toxicity.

Thornton Law Firm has been representing families of children harmed by exposures to industrial chemicals and other toxic substances for over 20 years. We specialize in representing children and families who have been injured by suffering  birth defects and other cognitive and developmental delays due to toxic exposures. The birth defect team has significant experience in assessing all workplace exposures related to birth defects. If you believe your child has suffered an injury as a result of exposure to industrial chemicals, call the Thornton Law Firm birth defect lawyers at 888-491-9726 or tell us your story here. All consultations are free and confidential.