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International Journal of Environment and Health 2008 - Vol. 2, No.3/4  pp. 417
- 428
<A HREF="http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=20933">http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=20933</A>
Jackie Lombardo
Sierra Club National Toxics Committee
Friends and Advocates for Children, Teachers and Schools
There is evidence of harm.  There are safe alternatives.
Albemarle County, VA
Email: ucanmailjackie@...
www.SierraClub.org/toxics
 
 
--- On Thu, 10/30/08, Linda Sepp <urbanfengshui@...> wrote:
From: Linda Sepp <urbanfengshui@...>
Subject: [cehncommunity] Methylmercury Warning
To: cehncommunity@...
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008, 8:33 PM
Methylmercury Warning
<A HREF="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028103103.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028103103.htm</A>
ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2008) — Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic
chemicals, such as methylmercury can cause harm at levels previously
considered safe. A new analysis of the epidemiological evidence in the
International Journal of Environment and Health, suggests that we should take
a precautionary approach to this and similar compounds to protect unborn
children from irreversible brain damage.Philippe Grandjean of the Department
of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, and
the
University of Southern Denmark in Odense, explains that the causes of
suboptimal and abnormal mental development are mostly unknown. However,
severe
exposure to pollutants during the development of the growing fetus can cause
problems that become apparent as brain functions develop - and ultimately
decline - in later life. Critically, much smaller doses of chemicals, such as
the neurotoxic compound methylmercury, can harm the developing brain to a
much
greater extent than the adult brain.
Methylmercury is a chemical compound formed in the environment from released
mercury. Unfortunately, the methylmercury can be transported quickly around
the body and may enter the brain. Serious problems will ensue if important
developmental processes are blocked as there will be only one chance for the
brain to develop.
The researchers point out that until recently research into the effects of
pollutants on the brain has been clouded by the lack of information on actual
exposure. Moreover, finding a direct link between specific problems with the
brain and exposure relies on statistical, or epidemiological, analysis rather
than case-by-case understanding. The researchers say that neurodevelopmental
disorders of possible environmental origin affect between 5% and 10% of
babies
born worldwide, leading to dyslexia, mental retardation, attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, and autism.
The toxicity of methylmercury is well known, but the researchers believe that
the medical world has underestimated the risk of brain damage associated with
exposure to this compound as well as numerous others. Professor Grandjean
emphasizes that little research has been carried out into the effects of
other
neurotoxic chemicals.
"Until there is enough evidence to rule out effects of certain chemicals
on
the developing nervous system, a cautious approach would involve strict
regulation of suspected developmental neurotoxicants and prudent counseling
of
expectant mothers regarding exposures to untested substances," the
researchers
conclude.
Adapted from materials provided by Inderscience Publishers, via EurekAlert!,
a
service of AAAS.
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