Polluting Our Future. Chemical Pollution in the U.S. that Affects ChildDevelopment and Learning

摘要

The following report is the first ever to document the exact scope, nature, andsources of chemical pollution in the U.S. that is of specific concern for child development, learning, and behavior. Using industry data reported annually to the federal government, this report estimates total likely emissions of developmental and neurological toxins in the U.S., identifies geographical hotspots for reported emissions, and identifies the most polluting industries. This report uses the National Academy of Sciences highly conservative 3% estimate to approximate the contribution that known toxic substances could be making to the number of children afflicted with physical and mental disabilities. The report also reviews a number of health-related statistics suggesting the possibility of increased incidence of some developmental and neurological conditions such as: Low birthweight births; Genito-urinary defects; Premature births; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Atrial septal defects; and Autism.