Children are the future of our world, and their health and well-being are crucial for the progress of societies.

However, many factors such as environmental and societal changes, nutrition, and exposure to toxic chemicals affect the development of a child, and with that, their cognitive abilities. In recent years, various studies have highlighted the link between exposure to ubiquitous toxic substances and their impact on intelligence quotient (IQ) in children.

What are ubiquitous toxic substances?

Ubiquitous toxic substances are chemicals that are present everywhere in our surroundings, and we come into contact with these either through our diet, the air we breathe, or the products we use.

Couples planning to conceive, pregnant women, and children are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals as they may interfere with crucial developmental processes, including brain development.

Common ubiquitous toxic substances affecting children’s cognitive abilities

The following substances are known to affect children’s cognitive abilities:.

Mercury

Sources of mercury include fish and shellfish, coal plants, and batteries. Mercury exposure can cause neurological symptoms such as tremors and memory loss and has been observed to impact IQ scores in children.

Lead

Lead exposure can happen through leaded paint, contaminated soil, and water. Lead interferes with the formation of the brain and central nervous system and can cause developmental delays and lower IQ scores in children.

Arsenic

Arsenic can be found in water, soil, and food, particularly rice. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to decreased intellectual function in children.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are synthetic organic chemicals that were used in the manufacture of electrical equipment until their ban in the 1970s. However, PCBs persist in the environment, entering the food chain and contaminating fish, meat, and dairy products.

Exposure to PCBs can result in decreased IQ and lower academic achievement in children.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals used in plastics, household products, and personal care products. Phthalates have been linked to reduced IQ and cognitive dysfunction in children. Exposure can occur through food, water, inhalation, and skin absorption.

Household plastics and personal care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and lotion are among the most common sources of exposure.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a synthetic compound used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin. It can leach into food from lined cans, plastic containers, and water bottles. Studies have shown that exposure to BPA during pregnancy can lead to lower IQs in children.

Flame retardants

Flame retardants are often added to a range of products from electronics to furniture to bedding. Studies have linked exposure to flame retardants to neurodevelopmental issues such as lower IQ scores, attention problems, and delayed growth in children.

Steps to reduce the risk of exposure

To reduce the risk of exposure to these toxic substances, parents should take the following steps:.

Reduce the consumption of fish known to contain high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Avoid using plastic containers or toys that contain BPA or phthalates.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating to remove any pesticides or residues.
Choose organic produce whenever possible.
Filter drinking water to remove heavy metals.

Children’s cognitive abilities are critical for their future success in life. Exposure to ubiquitous toxic substances can significantly impact their IQ, leading to a range of developmental and social problems.

Therefore, it is essential for parents to be aware of the risks and take appropriate steps to reduce their children’s exposure to these substances.