The Impact of Neurotoxic Exposure

A recent article in The Atlantic, “The Toxins That Threaten Our Brains,” discusses chemical exposure and its detrimental effect to brain health. The article begins by addressing 12 neurotoxins — environmental substances, as well as those found in everyday items — shown to lower IQs and cause ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. For example, the article refers to one study that reveals genetics accounts for no more than 30 percent to 40 percent of brain development disorders, that instead toxic chemicals from environmental exposure are responsible; that research also correlated how neurobehavorial development disorders continue to rise. While the impact of those 12 neurotoxins is significant, importantly, the article points out that known carcinogens like asbestos still are used for everyday products. Moreover, the effects of most chemicals used are not in fact known; the article stresses that lack of testing and insufficient regulation are the serious underlying problems. As author James Hamblin states, “The greater concern lies in what we’re exposed to and don’t yet know to be toxic.” To read the full article, click here.