September 8, 2009
Environmental pollutants undermining children (1)
Environmental pollutants are absorbed by the human body through soil, air, water, and food. Pollutants are known to have a negative impact on human health. A fetus or newborn baby is especially susceptible to exogenous substances, due to the continual development of their immune systems.
Dioxins are harmful substances that can be transferred to the baby through the consumption of the mother’s breast milk. Methyl mercury, a neurotoxin, has adverse effects on the neurological development of fetuses, infants and children. Those who have been exposed to methyl mercury may develop autism or ADHD. The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry released a statement that pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant should not eat too much seafood that contain high amounts of mercury.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are air pollutants that are emitted from factories and cars and have negative effects on children. Immunological observations revealed that women who are exposed to PAH increase their chances of producing children with chromosomal abnormalities. Even with today’s technology, varieties of environmental pollutants are still increasing. Metals like indium and gallium which are used for the production of semiconductors and LCD TV’s are examples of these new pollutants. There are others like carbon nanotubes and Buckminsterfullerenes that have recently appeared. Several researchers’ state that mothers exposed to chemical pollutants may pass on diseases to the next generation.
Dioxins are harmful substances that can be transferred to the baby through the consumption of the mother’s breast milk. Methyl mercury, a neurotoxin, has adverse effects on the neurological development of fetuses, infants and children. Those who have been exposed to methyl mercury may develop autism or ADHD. The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry released a statement that pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant should not eat too much seafood that contain high amounts of mercury.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are air pollutants that are emitted from factories and cars and have negative effects on children. Immunological observations revealed that women who are exposed to PAH increase their chances of producing children with chromosomal abnormalities. Even with today’s technology, varieties of environmental pollutants are still increasing. Metals like indium and gallium which are used for the production of semiconductors and LCD TV’s are examples of these new pollutants. There are others like carbon nanotubes and Buckminsterfullerenes that have recently appeared. Several researchers’ state that mothers exposed to chemical pollutants may pass on diseases to the next generation.
