Some developmental disabilities have been linked to fetal exposures to environmental chemicals, such as mercury and its effects on neurodevelopment. Individuals with developmental disabilities are more vulnerable to the effects of environmental exposures. For example, an person with a borderline IQ who is exposed to lead and has a resultant loss in 10 IQ points may now become significantly impaired. The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has created a handout for families Environmental Toxins and Disabilities: A Concern Throughout the Lifespan.
Project TENDR: Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks
Project TENDR is a unique collaboration of leading scientists, health professionals and children’s and environmental advocates. We (two ANHE nurses participated) came together in 2015 out of concern over the now substantial scientific evidence linking toxic environmental chemicals to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficits, hyperactivity, intellectual disability and learning disorders. Read the Project Tendr Consensus Statement