Chemical Contributions to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patisaul, Heather B.
• Editors: Fiske, Susan T.
• Other Names: Claflin Dragana Ivkovich guest-editor.; McCarthy Margaret guest-editor.; Gabbay Frances guest-editor.; Neiderhiser Jenae guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Policy insights from the behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 4:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: pollution -- endocrine disruption -- neurodevelopment -- neurotoxicity -- brain; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Behavioral Sciences; Public Policy; Brain; Human behavior; Political planning; Periodicals; Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1177/2372732217719909
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2372-7322

Abstract

Children increasingly receive diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Causes are multifactorial, but growing consensus identifies environmental factors, especially chemical exposures, as primary drivers, with some individuals more genetically susceptible to these external pressures than others. Our current system of chemical management prioritizes rapid commercialization over disease prevention. This strategy privatizes economic benefits but socializes health costs. The evidence linking chemical exposure to neurodevelopmental risk merits greater attention by regulators. Public health concerns, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups, should be elevated in chemical risk assessment. The financial and emotional burden of preventable NDDs on U.S. children and their families calls for comprehensive policy attention.