Chemicals are everywhere – in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use. From pesticides and plasticizers to flame retardants and heavy metals, these substances can have harmful effects on human health.

For children, whose bodies are still developing, exposure to chemicals can be especially problematic.

What Are Chemicals?

Chemicals are substances that can alter the chemical processes in our bodies. They can be natural or synthetic, and can be found in everything from plants and animals to the food we eat and the products we use.

Some chemicals are essential for life, while others can cause harm if we are exposed to them in high doses or over extended periods of time.

How Do Chemicals Affect Children?

Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemicals because their bodies are still developing.

Prenatal exposure to chemicals can affect the development of the brain and nervous system, while exposure during early childhood can affect the development of the immune system, reproductive system, and other organs. Chemical exposure can also lead to cognitive and behavioral problems, such as ADHD and autism.

Chemicals and Mobility

Recent research has shown that exposure to chemicals can also affect children’s mobility.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research found that children with higher levels of certain chemicals in their blood had poorer coordination and balance than those with lower levels. The chemicals in question, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are used in a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.

Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who were exposed to high levels of lead and other heavy metals had slower reaction times and less agility than those who were not exposed.

What Can Parents Do?

While it may be impossible to completely avoid exposure to chemicals, there are steps that parents can take to reduce their children’s risk:.

Buy organic produce whenever possible. This can help reduce exposure to pesticides.
Avoid using products that contain synthetic fragrances, which can contain harmful chemicals.
Use non-toxic cleaning products, or make your own cleaners using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Check the labels on children’s toys and other products to make sure they are free of harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA.
Test your home for radon, a naturally occurring gas that can be harmful if it accumulates in high levels.

The Bottom Line

Chemicals are a fact of life, but by taking steps to reduce our children’s exposure, we can help protect their health and mobility.

Buying organic, using non-toxic products, and checking the labels on children’s products are all simple steps that parents can take to reduce their children’s risk.