Mind Disrupted – Toxic Chemicals and Your Brain
A new study was released recently investigating the presence of poisonous chemicals in the bodies of Americans. The chemicals studied are known or suspected to be linked to learning and developmental disabilities.
Learn about the new report at http://www.minddisrupted.org
Researchers found a total of 61 chemicals in those tested (leaders from the learning and developmental disabilities community) that are known or suspected to be toxic to the brain. Here’s a great summary of the study you can print out and share.
Here’s what one of those tested had to say about his experience and concerns:
“Given the increasing rates of learning and developmental disabilities– particularly autism—we need to recognize that the rising costs associated with long term care of disability, special education and related health care will only continue to grow,” explained Jeff Sell, Esq.,Vice President of Public Policy for the Autism Society and father of twin teen sons with autism, “The current health care debate suggests we need to do everything we can to decrease costs by taking preventative actions. Reducing environmental contributors to neurological problems will serve to save our families, communities and society significant expenses in the future and can only improve the quality of life for those with these disabilities.”
The report release comes at a time when the government and researchers are sounding the alarm that learning and developmental disabilities are on the rise:
- Approximately 16% of U.S. children have a developmental disability, and research shows increasing trends.
- Between 1997 and 2006, rates of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis increased an average of 3% / year. Even worse – today approximately 4.5 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- Since the early 1990s alone – reported cases of autism spectrum disorders have increased tenfold. The latest data from the CDC found that 1 in 110 U.S. eight-year-olds have autism spectrum disorder, which increased by 57% between 2002 and 2006.
Many factors contribute to brain development in complex ways. Chemical contaminants, however, have historically been the least researched and are the most preventable. Recent research also shows that the developing fetus and children are particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures. Given this, protecting children from exposures to neurotoxicants starting as early as fetal development is an essential public health measure if we are to help prevent further increases in LDDs.
According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, “students with disabilities are a special “at risk” population for the harmful effects of exposures to environmental hazards at school.”
The Connection with PVC in Schools
A number of chemicals released by the PVC lifecycle have been linked with or have been shown to cause learning and developmental disabilities. These include Dioxins , Lead, and Mercury. For example, lead has been found in (and can leach from) PVC lunchboxes, baby bibs, toys, jewelry, garden hoses, electronics, and even Christmas trees. That’s because lead is often used to “stabilize” PVC.
Preliminary research suggests phthalates (over 90% of which are used in vinyl) may also be linked to learning and developmental disabilities. A study published in 2009 found a statistically significant link between PVC flooring and autism spectrum disorder. The study found that children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit phthalates, are twice as likely to have autism. Another new study found phthalates linked to ADHD in children. Even worse – phthalates are widespread in PVC products found in schools.
PVC: Second Largest User of Mercury Globally
Mercury is used to produce chlorine gas globally – which is then used to make PVC. In China and Russia, mercury is also used to make vinyl chloride monomer, the basic building block of PVC. This use accounts for an astonishing 20% of global mercury consumption (700 tons), the second largest sector globally. Mercury is a potent neurological and reproductive toxin that accumulates primarily as methyl mercury in aquatic food chains.
The PVC industry’s use of mercury has been increasing in recent years despite the fact that the dangers of mercury are well-known. In 2002, the Chinese PVC industry used 354 tons of mercury. Within two years, that had increased to 610 tons of mercury, growing at an annual rate of 31.4%. It’s been estimated that mercury usage will continue to increase to over 1,000 tons by 2010. Assuming PVC accounts for 40% of the global chlorine production, between chlorine and vinyl chloride monomer production, the PVC industry currently accounts for 27.2% of the world’s mercury consumption, the second largest user of mercury in the entire world.
