July 2007
An increased risk of cancer,
heart and lung disease in adults can result from exposures to certain
environmental chemicals during childhood, the World Health Organization
said today. This finding is part of the first report ever issued by the
agency focusing on children's special susceptibility to harmful chemical
exposures at different stages of their growth.
The global health body said this report is the most comprehensive work yet
undertaken on the scientific principles to be considered in assessing
health risks in children.
The work was undertaken by an advisory group of 24 scientific experts,
representing 18 countries. They were convened by WHO to provide insight,
expertise, and guidance, and to ensure scientific accuracy and
objectivity. Once the text was finalized, it was sent to more than 100
contact points throughout the world for review and comment, and also made
available on WHO's International Programme of Chemical Safety website for
external review and comment.
The central focus of the study is on the child from embryo through
adolescence and on the need to have a good understanding of the
interactions between exposure, biological susceptibility, and
socioeconomic and nutritional factors at each stage of a child’s
development.
The scientific principles proposed in the document for evaluating
environmental health risks in children will help the health sector,
researchers and policy makers to protect children of all ages through
improved risk assessments, appropriate interventions and focused research
to become healthy adults.
Children have different susceptibilities during different life stages, due
to their dynamic growth and developmental processes, the authors said.
Health effects resulting from developmental exposures prenatally and at
birth may include miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight and birth
defects.
Young children may die or develop asthma, neurobehavioral and immune
impairment. Adolescents may experience precocious or delayed puberty.
The vulnerability of children is increased in degraded and poor
environments, the report confirms. Neglected and malnourished children
suffer the most. These children often live in unhealthy housing, lack
clean water and sanitation services, and have limited access to health
care and education.
For example, lead is known to be more toxic to children whose diets are
deficient in calories, iron and calcium.
WHO warns, "One in five children in the poorest parts of the world will
not live longer than their fifth birthday - mainly because of
environment-related diseases."
This new volume of the Environmental Health Criteria series, Principles
for Evaluating Health Risks in Children Associated with Exposure to
Chemicals, is online here.
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