Published on May 13, 2014

The increasing use of chemicals may be the reason for the growing number of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Toxic chemicals might be behind increasing cases of autism, dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Industrial chemicals are believed to trigger reduced attention span, delayed development and poor performance in school. The increasing number of children affected by toxic damage to brain development along with lack of any formal diagnosis is a disturbing fact.

Experts have stated that a global prevention strategy to limit use of toxic chemicals is the need of the hour.

In 2006, researchers identified five industrial chemicals as developmental neurotoxicants. These chemicals can cause brain deficits. A new research includes more information about these chemicals and also provides information about six chemicals- DDT, manganese, fluoride, chlorpyrifos, tetrachloroethylene and the polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

These newly recognized neurotoxicants can have the following health effects on children-
Manganese is said to reduce intellectual function and impair motor skills.
Solvents cause hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour.
Pesticides like DDT result in cognitive delays.

Experts believe that there are more chemicals than the ones identified as neurotoxicants that contribute to neurobehavioral deficits. These chemicals not only diminsh intelligence but also damage societies.

However, lack of concrete data to control use of such chemicals is a major obstacle. Government regulations also require huge amounts of proof. There are very few chemicals which have been regulated as a result of developmental neurotoxicity.

Its important to curb the use of toxic chemicals in order to protect our children from brain disorders. Researchers have suggested mandatory testing of industrial chemicals and setting up of an internatinal clearinghouse to examine industrial chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity.