Toxic chemicals in everyday products poisoning children: Scientists

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that toxic chemicals in food, everyday products, the general environment and even the air are poisoning our children, according to a leading group of US scientists, medical experts and health organisations.

The researchers who have called for action, have warned that pregnant women had been found to be contaminated with dozens of potentially harmful substances including  organophosphate pesticides, PBDE flame retardants and phthalates found in plastic.

Such toxins could interfere in the development of the brain with unborn children being especially vulnerable.

According to the group's paper in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the group said, ''We are witnessing an alarming increase in learning and behavioural problems in children.

''Parents report that one in six children in the United States, 17 per cent more than a decade ago, have a developmental disability, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays.

''As of 2012, 1 in 10 (or more than 5.9 million) children in the US are estimated to have ADHD. As of 2014, 1 in 68 children in the US has an autism spectrum disorder.''

The group said many chemicals could interfere with the development of the brain at ''extremely low levels of exposure''.

Chemicals that pose the greatest risk include, organophosphate pesticides used in agriculture and gardens, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) found in flame retardants, and phthalates, found in plastic bottles, food containers and beauty products, and lead and mercury.

Flame retardants, and traffic pollution and from wood smoke could also affect brain development in both the womb and in childhood, the new report pointed out.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that were once uses as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, also were a source of concern.