Are chemicals in food contributing to a decline in youth mental health?

In a recent review published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, researchers pointed to toxic chemicals prevalent in global food systems as a key contributor to the rise of neurodevelopmental issues and mental health decline in young people.

In short:

• The industrial global food system relies heavily on pesticides, food additives, plastics, and food contact materials that contain synthetic chemicals, many of which are toxic to the brain.
• Human studies link exposure to these chemicals to cognitive and social deficits, structural changes to the brain, depression, anxiety, challenges with emotional control, ADHD, autism, and other neurological effects.
• The prevalence of many of these chemicals has increased over time, with pesticide use expanding rapidly over the past few decades and ultraprocessed foods (which are high in chemical additives and often packaged in plastic) accounting for up to 65% of adolescents’ calorie intake in the U.S.

Key quote:

“Altogether, the widespread presence of these neurotoxic and neuro-disruptive chemicals in the body and brain, and growing reports of their adverse impacts on behavior, cognition, and mental health in young people, points to the potential for progressive degradation of brain function that poses a grave threat to the future wellbeing of society and underscores the urgent need for increased research, funding, and regulation in this area.”

Why this matters:

While exposure to these toxic chemicals has health implications for all age groups, children are fundamentally more vulnerable as their brains and bodies are still developing. Children and teens are exposed to ever-increasing numbers of harmful chemicals in many areas of daily life, including through clothing, toys, personal care products, and air pollution. At the same time, there have been significant increases in diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, and in some parts of the world, up to 50% of young adults report feeling mentally distressed. Through the increasing use of synthetic chemicals and the production of ultra processed foods, the modern globalized food system prioritizes economic considerations over human health.

Related EHN coverage:

• Regulating plastics is essential for protecting children’s brains, scientists say
• American Heart Association: Children must be protected from health threats of environmental toxics
• Op-ed: What we know about toxic chemicals and children’s mental health

More resources: Project TENDR is an alliance of leading scientists, clinicians, and advocates focused on protecting children from pollution and chemicals that harm brain development. Their work includes a consensus statement on neurodevelopmental risks from chemical exposures.