Review article

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Carlos António Laranjeira ; Apartado 341, 3501-908 Viseu, Portugal

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Aim: There has been a growing concern in the last few years with the exposure of children to environmental chemicals. There is little knowledge regarding their effects on developing organisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the recent medical literature on
environmental chemical hazards to child health.
Methods: The bibliographic research was conducted using the MEDLINE database, as well as through direct research, limiting the scope to articles published within the past 8 years.
Results: Children have a greater exposure to environmental pollutants than adults, because their metabolic needs and behaviors put them at special risk of contact with chemicals when they breathe, eat, drink or play. Heavy metals, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants and, at home, environmental tobacco smoke have been associated with the increasing number of diseases such as asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders and childhood cancer.
Conclusions: Pediatricians and other health professionals who treat children and adolescents are entrusted with the task of recognizing the hazards that environmental chemical agents may pose.

Keywords

Environmental exposure; environmental pollution; chemical compounds

Hrčak ID:

22557

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/22557

Publication date:

25.6.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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