Developmental Exposure to Environmental Toxicants

Alison J Falck; Sandra Mooney; Shiv S Kapoor; Kimberly M R White; Cynthia Bearer; Dina El Metwally

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2015.05.005

Developmental Exposure to Environmental Toxicants

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2015 Oct;62(5):1173-97. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2015.05.005. Epub 2015 Jul 26.

Authors

Alison J Falck¹, Sandra Mooney², Shiv S Kapoor², Kimberly M R White², Cynthia Bearer², Dina El Metwally²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: afalck@peds.umaryland.edu.
² Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

PMID: 26318946
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2015.05.005

Abstract

Children interact with the physical environment differently than adults, and are uniquely susceptible to environmental toxicants. Routes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and target organ toxicities vary as children grow and develop. This article summarizes the sources of exposure and known adverse effects of toxicants that are ubiquitous in our environment, including tobacco smoke, ethanol, solvents, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and pesticides. Preventive strategies that may be used in counseling children and their families are highlighted.

Keywords: Child; Environmental exposure; Fetus; Toxicant.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Child Development
Child, Preschool
Disease Susceptibility*
Environmental Exposure*
Humans
Infant
Risk Factors