A recent study published in Environment and Health found that young children are exposed to a wide range of pesticides during key periods of growth and development.
In short:
- Residues of 215 different pesticides were found in the urine samples from 187 U.S. infants and young children.
- Individual children’s samples contained an average of 31 different pesticides, with some samples containing as many as 50.
- Sixteen pesticides were detected in over 60% of children sampled.
Key quote:
“Accumulating evidence has associated chronic low-dose pesticide exposure with a range of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and impaired neurodevelopment.“
Why this matters:
Individuals around the globe are constantly exposed to a wide variety of chemicals - including insecticides, fungicides, and other forms of synthetic pesticides - through interactions with the environment, consumer products, and even their food and water supply. Children are especially vulnerable to harm from environmental exposures because their bodies and brains are still developing. Exposure to toxic chemicals early in life have been shown to harm children's neurodevelopment, growth, and cognitive, metabolic and reproductive health, resulting in long-term health implications. Research has shown that regulatory and policy interventions are an effective strategy for reducing public exposure to toxic chemicals.
Related EHN coverage:
- Dozens of chemicals found in pregnant U.S. women, with levels spiking in summertime
- Common pesticide linked to health impacts across multiple generations
More resources:
- Environmental Working Group’s Dirty DozenTM and Clean FifteenTM
- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Pesticide Exposure in Children
Source:
