Rising Concerns: The Impact of Synthetic Chemicals on Global Child Health
Recent study highlights alarming increase in developmental disorders, asthma, and obesity in children linked to chemical exposure.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has brought to light a concerning rise in the prevalence of cancer, birth defects, developmental disorders, asthma, and obesity among children due to exposure to synthetic chemicals used globally.
The report underscores that the production and use of synthetic chemicals, traced back to fossil fuels, have increased fiftyfold since 1950, now numbering approximately 350,000 in various forms including mixtures and plastics.
The alarming findings reveal that over the past half-century, childhood cancer cases have surged by 35%, while the incidence of birth defects has doubled.
Neurological developmental disorders affect one in six children, with asthma rates tripling and childhood obesity quadrupling, contributing to a spike in type 2 diabetes among young people.
Additionally, one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, reportedly linked to chemical exposures.
The study highlights the potential for even brief exposure to these chemicals during pivotal developmental periods, such as pregnancy, to cause severe illnesses and disabilities.
Economically, the burden of health care costs resulting from these conditions is reportedly shifted onto governments, with inadequate regulatory measures to curb dangerous chemical use.
The researchers criticized existing regulations, particularly in the United States, where only a handful of chemicals have been banned since a law was passed in 1977.
In contrast, the European Union shows slightly better regulation, though it still falls short of the necessary stringency.
To address this, the study advocates for a robust regulation system where only non-toxic chemicals, verified through independent studies, are allowed for use.
They emphasize the importance of a global treaty under UN oversight to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, the authors propose transparency obligations for chemical and consumer product manufacturers to disclose potential health risks associated with the chemicals they use, alongside mandatory reporting on the use of particularly hazardous substances.
The hope is to prevent only discovering the harmful impacts of these chemicals decades later.
The report underscores that the production and use of synthetic chemicals, traced back to fossil fuels, have increased fiftyfold since 1950, now numbering approximately 350,000 in various forms including mixtures and plastics.
The alarming findings reveal that over the past half-century, childhood cancer cases have surged by 35%, while the incidence of birth defects has doubled.
Neurological developmental disorders affect one in six children, with asthma rates tripling and childhood obesity quadrupling, contributing to a spike in type 2 diabetes among young people.
Additionally, one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, reportedly linked to chemical exposures.
The study highlights the potential for even brief exposure to these chemicals during pivotal developmental periods, such as pregnancy, to cause severe illnesses and disabilities.
Economically, the burden of health care costs resulting from these conditions is reportedly shifted onto governments, with inadequate regulatory measures to curb dangerous chemical use.
The researchers criticized existing regulations, particularly in the United States, where only a handful of chemicals have been banned since a law was passed in 1977.
In contrast, the European Union shows slightly better regulation, though it still falls short of the necessary stringency.
To address this, the study advocates for a robust regulation system where only non-toxic chemicals, verified through independent studies, are allowed for use.
They emphasize the importance of a global treaty under UN oversight to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, the authors propose transparency obligations for chemical and consumer product manufacturers to disclose potential health risks associated with the chemicals they use, alongside mandatory reporting on the use of particularly hazardous substances.
The hope is to prevent only discovering the harmful impacts of these chemicals decades later.
