Children are different: Environmental contaminants and children's health

Chance, GW; Harmsen, E

HERO ID

1060450

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

1998

Language

English

PMID

9654786

HERO ID 1060450
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 1998
Title Children are different: Environmental contaminants and children's health
Authors Chance, GW; Harmsen, E
Journal Canadian Journal of Public Health
Volume 89
Issue Suppl. 1
Page Numbers S9-S13
Abstract Although the impact of environmental contaminants on human health has been widely studied, few reports in the Canadian literature have focussed on the specific vulnerability of children. Because of their rapid growth, physiologic and metabolic immaturity, the fetus and child are often at increased risk from toxic substances in their environments. Furthermore, greater air, food and fluid intakes relative to body weight compared with the adult, increase the child's potential for excessive exposures. The crawling stage of infancy, the play patterns and short stature of toddlers also serve to increase their exposure to dust and heavy and volatile substances which accumulate near the floor. This article provides an overview of some of the developmental physiologic, anatomic and behavioural features of the fetus, infant and child which increase their vulnerability to environmental contaminants in comparison with adults. Specific examples are given.
Pmid 9654786
Wosid WOS:000074524100004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Conference Location Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Conference Name 1st National Symposium on Environmental Contaminants and the Implications for Child Health
Conference Date May 25-27, 1997
Is Public Yes
Language Text English