Dangerous Pollutants for Your Child's Development

Pollution has taken a toll on the environment and with each generation it gets worse. The world is calling for more 'green' solutions to help solve this problem, but we are still susceptible to the damage that has already been done. With the rise in cases of Autism and other developmental problems in an increasing amount of children, every parent should be aware of which pollutants are known to cause the most harm.

Lead
Lead is a toxic heavy metal. It is usually found in houses and buildings that were built before 1978, as well as in old pipes which contaminates drinking water. Lead has also been found in furniture due to paint varnishes as well as unregulated and supposedly regulated imported toys. A person can also be exposed to lead by inhaling dust from construction sites.

Lead settles in different parts of the body such as the bones, teeth and the brain. Side-effects from lead settling within a child's body include headaches, abdominal pain, inadequate growth, lower IQ, and behavioural problems.

Mercury
Mercury is a poisonous metal that is released into the air by coal-fired plants, which contaminates rivers and oceans and forms methylmercury. Not only is it in the air, but it is commonly found in the flesh of certain large fish. This is why it is recommended that pregnant women should not consume tuna.

The side-effects in a child exposed to mercury include learning disorders. It also causes negative effects on the developing nervous system as well as the brian.

Pesticides & PCBs
Pesticides are used on produce and food to increase crop productivity and ward off crop destroying insects. Although it is harmful to humans, it is still used. Organic produce is supposed to be grown without the use of pesticides and is usually a better alternative to pesticide exposed food.

PCBs or Polychlorinated Biphenyls are known as probable carcinogens (may cause cancer). PCBs contaminate water sources and so they can be found in fish fat, skin and internal organs.
The side-effects of PCBs are cancer, low birth weight and delayed muscle development.

Tobacco Smoke
Of all the harmful pollutants to our children, tobacco smoke may be the easiest one to avoid. Parents should not smoke around their children. Tobacco smoke contains toxic carcinogens like arsenic and ammonia. These pollutants stay in soft surfaces like carpet and upholstery as well as on clothes. They are also passed through breast milk, so nursing mothers should not smoke or inhale second-hand smoke.

Tobacco smoke causes ear infections, wheezing, coughing, and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia in children. It is also known to cause asthma. In infants it doubles the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Help protect your children by being aware of what they eat and the things they play with. Also keep them away from smokers and smoking areas in public. Install a carbon-block filter on your faucet to reduce lead which may be in drinking water, and be constant when it comes to checking the latest toy recalls at websites like cdc.gov/nceh/lead/recalls . Many stores also have designated areas where they post recall information, so be sure to check there as well.