Children’s cognitive function is a vital aspect of their growth and development. As they grow and mature, they need to develop their cognitive abilities to succeed in school, social interactions, and eventually their professional careers.

However, numerous studies have revealed that widespread chemicals can be significantly detrimental to the cognitive function of children.

These chemicals are often found in everyday products, such as furniture, cleaning products, electronics, and even food. This article aims to explore these chemicals, the effect they have on children’s cognitive function, and how to avoid them.

The Widespread Chemicals

There are multiple chemicals, both natural and synthetic, that have been proven to be hazardous to children’s cognitive function. These chemicals are widespread and commonly found in everyday products. The following are the most prevalent:.

Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust. It is the most well-known and dangerous toxin for children. Lead can be found in old paint, soil, and contaminated water.

It is also present in certain types of toys that are manufactured in countries that do not have strict safety standards.

Lead can damage the central nervous system and cause abnormal brain development, leading to intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties.

Mercury

Mercury is a metallic element found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. It is also present in many everyday products such as thermometers, light bulbs, and batteries.

The most common form of mercury in our environment is methylmercury, which is produced by microorganisms in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Mercury exposure in children can lead to cognitive deficits, memory problems, and learning difficulties. Prenatal exposure can cause impaired fetal brain development, leading to irreversible developmental delays and neurological disorders.

Phthalates

Phthalates are widely used chemicals that are essential ingredients in plastics, solvents, and personal care products such as shampoos, cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions. Phthalates can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

Studies have shown that prenatal exposure to phthalates can damage the developing brain, leading to cognitive impairments and behavioral problems that persist throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a synthetic compound used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and thermal paper. It is present in a wide range of products, including food packaging, plastic containers, and even dental fillings.

BPA can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

BPA exposure has been linked to developmental neurotoxicity, leading to learning difficulties, memory problems, and behavioral disorders.

The prenatal exposure to BPA has been associated with hyperactivity, aggression, and emotional problems in children.

Organophosphate Pesticides (OPs)

OPs are widely and commonly used pesticides. They are found in fruits and vegetables and are also used in in-home pesticides products. OPs exposure can adversely affect children’s cognitive ability, attention span, and intellectual functioning.

OPs exposure is also associated with increased occurrences of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

How These Chemicals Affect Children’s Cognitive Function

The human brain is the most vulnerable to these chemicals during the developmental stage. When these chemicals enter the body, they can disrupt the endocrine system, alter the neurotransmitters’ levels, and cause oxidative stress.

These changes can lead to dysfunctions in multiple cognitive domains, including learning, memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning.

For example, lead can damage the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, which are the brain regions responsible for impulse control, judgment, and decision-making.

Mercury can interfere with the neuronal network’s formation, leading to brain damage in areas that affect cognitive and motor skills. Phthalates can damage the white matter and reduce myelin integrity, leading to abnormalities in learning, memory, and processing speed.

BPA can interfere with hormone signaling, leading to changes in brain structure and function, while OPs can cause dysfunctions in the cholinergic system, leading to reduced working memory and attention.

How to Avoid These Chemicals

To minimize the risk of exposing children to these chemicals, parents can take preventive measures such as:.

1. Be Cautious of Certain Food Sources

Consumption of food can be an essential way to get exposed to these chemicals. Parents can reduce the risk of exposure by eating organic and unprocessed food.

Also, by properly washing fruits and vegetables to remove residue of pesticides, limiting consumption of fish known to have elevated levels of mercury (e.g., swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel), and avoiding canned foods that often contain BPA in liners used in the can. Parents can consider reading labels on food packaging to stay informed about the products they are buying.

2. Green Cleaning

Chemical-free cleaning agents can be an excellent substitute for chemical cleaning agents. Avoiding chemical cleaning agents reduces the risk of exposure to phthalates that are prevalent in certain cleaning products.

Parents can avoid phthalates by using natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. These products are equally effective and non-toxic.

3. Avoid Certain Products

Parents can avoid certain products that contain chemicals that pose a danger to cognitive function. Parents are encouraged to use BPA-free plastics instead of the plastic containers that contain BPA.

Whenever possible, parents are also encouraged to avoid using products that contain lead. Parents should choose to buy products for their homes carefully, ensuring that they have been proven to be safe in independent tests and that do not contain any of these hazardous chemicals.

Conclusion

Exposure to these chemicals is a significant threat to children’s cognitive function. However, with awareness and sound judgment, parents can reduce the risk of exposure to these hazardous chemicals.

There is a high need for policies to regulate the use of these chemicals in products to ensure they are safe for children.