Developmental Neurotoxicity of Industrial Chemicals

Details

• Personal Author:
  Grandjean P ; Landrigan, Philip J.
• Description:
  Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention deficit disorder, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy are common, costly, and can cause lifelong disability. Their causes are mostly unknown. A few industrial chemicals (eg, lead, methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], arsenic, and toluene) are recognised causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and subclinical brain dysfunction. Exposure to these chemicals during early fetal development can cause brain injury at doses much lower than those affecting adult brain function. Recognition of these risks has led to evidence-based programmes of prevention, such as elimination of lead additives in petrol. Although these prevention campaigns are highly successful, most were initiated only after substantial delays. Another 200 chemicals are known to cause clinical neurotoxic effects in adults. Despite an absence of systematic testing, many additional chemicals have been shown to be neurotoxic in laboratory models. The toxic effects of such chemicals in the developing human brain are not known and they are not regulated to protect children. The two main impediments to prevention of neurodevelopmental deficits of chemical origin are the great gaps in testing chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity and the high level of proof required for regulation. New, precautionary approaches that recognise the unique vulnerability of the developing brain are needed for testing and control of chemicals. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Arsenic Chemistry Environmental Exposure Inorganic Chemicals Laboratories Lead Mental Disorders Mental Health Mercury Nervous System Nervous System Diseases Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Polychlorinated Biphenyls Preventive Medicine Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Toluene

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• Keywords:
  Brain Disorders Chemical Properties Exposure Levels Industrial Exposures Mental Disorders Mercury Compounds Models Neurological Disorders Neurological System Neurotoxic Effects Neurotoxicity Polychlorobiphenyls Preventive Medicine Risk Factors

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• ISSN:
  0140-6736
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  368
• Issue:
  9553
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20055839
• Citation:
  Lancet 2006 Dec; 368(9553):2167-2178
• Contact Point Address:
  Dr Philippe Grandjean, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Center 3E-110, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215
• Email:
  pgrand@hsph.harvard.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  1,1′-Biphenyl, chloro derivs. (CAS RN 1336-36-3) ; Arsenic (CAS RN 7440-38-2) ; Lead (CAS RN 7439-92-1) ; Methylmercury(1+) (CAS RN 22967-92-6) ; Toluene (CAS RN 108-88-3)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2007
• Performing Organization:
  Harvard School of Public Health
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  The Lancet
• End Date:
  20280630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:896255a21fe0ad2505bb10834fab7bb547f9db4209794fb260a55629d35e5d4bea5f82b037e5c59eceb148ad9569e3c24dd4b841877522a3a1d362ede5991a9c
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/213605/cdc_213605_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 162.66 KB ]