Are toxins in the environment are more dangerous for children?

Answer:

Proportional to body weight, children eat, breathe, and drink more than adults. So they take in higher concentrations of the toxins in our environment. As children's bodies develop, especially in the womb and newborns, they are vulnerable to damage from toxic substances.

For example, a small amount of certain pesticides during a critical time in a child's development could impact brain and body function, causing ADHD, reproductive health problems, as well as other problems. Some toxins, like mercury, can build up in body fat and be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or after birth through breast milk.

Learn More:

• How Lifestyle Affects Breast Milk (WomensHealth.gov)
• Asthma in Children (NIH)
• Air Pollution and Lung Development in Children (NIH/NIEHS)
• Environmental Aspects of Cancer, Autism, Diabetes, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (NIH)
• Children's Environmental Health & Disease Prevention Research Centers (NIH)
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CDC)

Information from Other Federal Agencies:

• Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (US Department of Housing & Urban Development)
• Protecting Our Children (US Environmental Protection Agency)
• America's Children & the Environment (US Environmental Protection Agency)

Last Updated: 04/18/2008