CHEMICALS AND ELECTRONICS AND BABY PRODUCTS HARM BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The most widely used chemicals such as flames and plasticizers pose a greater risk to children's brain development than previously thought.
The team of researchers reviewed a number of human, animal, and cellular studies and concluded that exposure to very low levels of chemicals - called organophosphate esters - could impair IQ, attention, and memory in children in ways not yet regulated by regulators.
The neurotoxicity of organophosphate esters used as nerve agents and pesticides is widely known, but the neurotoxicity of those used as flame retardants and plasticizers is thought to be below. As a result, they are widely used as a substitute for some of the finished or banned electronic flames, car seats, and other children's products, furniture, and building materials. However, the authors' analysis revealed that these chemicals are also neurotoxic, but with different mechanisms of action.
Organophosphate esters continue to migrate from products to air and dust. Contaminated dust gets into our hands and is accidentally introduced into our diet. That is why these chemicals have been found in almost everyone tested. Children are exposed mainly to hand-to-mouth behavior. Babies and young children, therefore, have a very high concentration of these chemicals in their bodies during the windows which are at high risk for brain development.
"Organophosphate esters threaten brain growth for a whole generation," said the author in collaboration with retired NIEHS director Linda Birnbaum. "If we do not stop using them now, the consequences will be bad and irreparable."
The authors request that the unnecessary use of all organophosphate esters be stopped. This includes their use as flammable flames to meet the levels of flammability in consumer products, automobiles, and construction materials.
For use where organophosphate esters are considered important, the authors recommend governments and industries to develop alternative experiments and invest in innovative solutions without harmful chemicals.
