Flame Retardants Reduce The IQ Value Of Children In The United States By 162 Million.

 

The study, published in molecular and Cellular Endocrinology on Tuesday, analyzed 4 chemicals known to affect most developing children: lead, mercury, pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (also known as flame retardants).

 

Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and public health researcher at New York University, is a co author of the paper. He describes these pollutants as "hit-and-run" chemicals: once children are exposed, it is impossible to eliminate the damage. "Leo Trasand"

 

"The child's brain is very fragile," said TLA. "Even if it only causes subtle effects, it can also have permanent lifelong consequences."

 

 

The study found that in the past 15 years, lead has caused 78 million children to lose IQ and nearly 27 million pesticides. At the same time, mercury caused 2 million 500 thousand losses.

 

The loss of mental retardation in children amounts to trillions of dollars.

 

Researchers found that among children exposed to harmful substances between 2001 and 2016, the percentage of mental decline caused by flame retardants and pesticides increased from 67% to 81%. There are flame retardants in furniture and electronic products, and pesticide residues in various commodities.

 

"Our findings are indeed shocking. We know that the exposure level of lead does not have a so-called safety line. Methyl mercury, pesticides and flame retardants are also the same.

 

The study also found that brain damage in childhood can cause economic losses: each intelligence quotient is about 2% of the child's lifetime economic productivity. So if a child can earn 1 million dollars in his lifetime, they will lose 20000 dollars every time they lose an IQ.

 

"The mental power of minors is the driving force of our economy. If a child's IQ drops a little, parents may not notice. However, if the IQ of 100000 children is reduced a bit, the whole economy will be reflected. "

 

Researchers said that from 2001 to 2016, IQ losses caused by exposure to lead, mercury, flame retardants and pesticides had caused the United States to lose about $6 trillion.

 

Too loose management regulations

 

For decades, thanks to the efforts of scientists, we have known the dangers of lead and mercury. Leaded gasoline and lead paint have been eliminated.

 

The environmental protection department has also formulated standards for reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

 

However, there is little regulation of pesticides and flame retardants.

 

EPA banned about 37 kinds of pesticides, while more than 500 were used in the United States. Pesticide manufacturers voluntarily put in another 97.

 

More than a dozen states have passed legislation to limit the use of flame retardants in products such as furniture, carpets and children's toys, but failed to pass federal laws.

 

Ways to avoid child contact

 

Tel Sander said there are many possible sources of pollution.

 

"Science is developing, and dosage is not the only criterion for toxicity. Other factors that need to be considered may include the time and frequency of exposure.

 

He added that the long-term economic cost of monitoring all these chemicals is far lower than the economic consequences caused by the decrease in children's IQ.

 

In order to avoid maximum contact, he gave several simple suggestions, such as opening windows and escaping dust mixed with flame retardants. He also recommends frequent vacuum cleaners and uses wet mops to dry chemicals on the floor.

 

In addition, parents should avoid using mattresses and children's toys containing polyurethane foam (usually with flame retardants), avoid spraying pesticides in lawn or backyard, and suggest buying organic food (although organic agricultural products may contain pesticides).

 

"We have made little progress in phasing out or banning some of the most interesting pesticides," Tel Sander said. But as consumers, we can take some positive precautions ourselves.