Toxic Threats to Neurologic
Development of Children
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Subject: Toxic Threats to Neurologic Development of Children
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 10:46:43 -0500
From: Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization: Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To: Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
Director, State of
California, Department of Pesticide Regulation
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
Dear Mr. Helliker, I
thought you might like to read the following article:
Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 109, Supplement 6,
December 2001
Toxic Threats to Neurologic Development of Children
Ted Schettler
Science and Environmental Health Network, Boston,
Massachusetts, USA
Abstract
Learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, developmental delays, and emotional and behavioral problems are among
childhood disabilities of increasing concern. Interacting genetic,
environmental, and social factors are important determinants of childhood brain
development and function. For many reasons, however, studying neurodevelopmental
vulnerabilities in children is challenging. Moreover, inadequate incidence and
trend data interfere with full understanding of the magnitude of the problem.
Despite these difficulties, extensive laboratory and clinical studies of several
neurodevelopmental toxicants, including lead, mercury, polychlorinated
biphenyls, alcohol, and nicotine, demonstrate the unique vulnerability of the
developing brain to environmental agents at exposure levels that have no lasting
effect in adults. Historically, understanding the effects of these toxicants on
the developing brain has emerged slowly while generations of children are
exposed to unsafe levels. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, neurodevelopmental
toxicity data are missing for most industrial chemicals in widespread use, even
when populationwide exposures are documented. The personal, family, and
communitywide costs of developmental disabilities are profound. In addition to
the need for more research, a preventive public health response requires
mitigation of exposures to potential neurodevelopmental toxicants when available
evidence establishes the plausibility of harm, despite residual toxicologic
uncertainties. Key words: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, metals, neurodevelopment,
neurotoxicology, PCBs, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls. -- Environ Health
Perspect 109(suppl 6):813-816 (2001).
http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2001/suppl-6/813-816schettler/abstract.html
This article is based on a presentation at the Workshop on
Methodologies for Community Health Assessment in Areas of Concern held 4-5
October 2000 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Address correspondence to T. Schettler, Science and
Environmental Health Network, 124 Peterborough St., #12, Boston, MA 02215 USA.
Telephone: (617) 536-7033. Fax: (617) 536-7033. E-mail: tschettler@igc.org
The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of J.
Stein, F. Reich, and M. Valenti to "In Harm's Way," a project of
Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility (GBPSR). GBPSR is grateful
to the John Merck Fund, the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, the W. Alton Jones
Foundation, the Mitchell Kapor Foundation, and the Alida R. Messinger Charitable
Lead Trust for their support.
Received 20 February 2001; accepted 30 July 2001.
Well Mr. Helliker, when
neurodevelopmental toxicity data is missing from ANY of the active (and/or
"secret") ingredients in your volatile, pesticide POISONS; how can you
in conscience "register" them and then demand that only your untested
and/or dangerous "registered" POISONS are the only "legal"
way to "control" pest problems and/or "protect" the public?
Respectfully,
Stephen L. Tvedten
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