Environmental Toxins and Their Effects on Children
For Medical Education Purposes Only
Heavy Metals
Lead (Pb)
Common Sources:
- Old paint (pre-1978)
- Contaminated soil
- Traditional medicines (particularly from India, Mexico)
- Lead-glazed pottery
- Contaminated water from lead pipes
Health Effects:
- Neurodevelopmental delays
- Cognitive impairment
- Behavioral problems
- Decreased IQ
- Anemia
- Growth retardation
Mercury (Hg)
Common Sources:
- Contaminated fish
- Dental amalgams
- Traditional medicines
- Industrial pollution
- Broken fluorescent bulbs
Health Effects:
- Neurological damage
- Developmental delays
- Visual and hearing impairment
- Motor function deficits
- Cognitive problems
Arsenic (As)
Common Sources:
- Contaminated groundwater (especially in Bangladesh, India)
- Rice and rice products
- Pressure-treated wood (pre-2004)
- Some fruit juices
Health Effects:
- Skin lesions
- Cancer risk
- Developmental delays
- Cardiovascular problems
- Respiratory issues
Air Pollutants
Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10)
Common Sources:
- Vehicle emissions
- Industrial pollution
- Biomass burning
- Construction dust
Health Effects:
- Asthma exacerbation
- Reduced lung function
- Increased respiratory infections
- Cardiovascular effects
- Neurodevelopmental impacts
Ground-level Ozone (O₃)
Common Sources:
- Vehicle emissions
- Industrial emissions
- Chemical solvents
- Gasoline vapors
Health Effects:
- Airway inflammation
- Decreased lung function
- Asthma attacks
- Chest pain
- Coughing and wheezing
Pesticides and Herbicides
Organophosphates
Common Sources:
- Agricultural pesticides
- Residential pest control
- Contaminated produce
- Contaminated water
Health Effects:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Behavioral problems
- Reduced cognitive function
- Respiratory issues
- Endocrine disruption
Glyphosate
Common Sources:
- Herbicide residues on food
- Contaminated water
- Agricultural exposure
Health Effects:
- Endocrine disruption
- Gut microbiome alterations
- Possible developmental effects
- Oxidative stress
Indoor Air Pollutants
Formaldehyde
Common Sources:
- Pressed wood products
- New furniture
- Building materials
- Tobacco smoke
- New carpets
Health Effects:
- Respiratory irritation
- Asthma exacerbation
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Possible cancer risk with long-term exposure
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Common Sources:
- Paints and varnishes
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning products
- New mattresses
- Personal care products
Health Effects:
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory problems
- Liver and kidney damage
- Neurological impacts
Endocrine Disruptors
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Common Sources:
- Plastic containers
- Can linings
- Thermal receipt paper
- Dental sealants
Health Effects:
- Early puberty
- Reproductive system effects
- Behavioral changes
- Obesity risk
- Metabolic disruption
Phthalates
Common Sources:
- Plastic toys
- Vinyl flooring
- Personal care products
- Food packaging
- Medical devices
Health Effects:
- Reproductive development issues
- Hormonal imbalances
- Asthma risk
- Neurodevelopmental problems
Regional Industrial Pollutants
Chromium (Specific to Leather Tanning Areas - India)
Common Sources:
- Contaminated groundwater near tanneries
- Soil contamination
- Leather dust
- Industrial waste
Health Effects:
- Respiratory problems
- Skin conditions
- Kidney damage
- Cancer risk
Electronic Waste Toxins (E-waste Sites - China, India, Ghana)
Common Sources:
- Informal recycling operations
- Burning of electronic waste
- Contaminated soil and water
- Dust from dismantling activities
Health Effects:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Developmental delays
- DNA damage
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological problems
Traditional Medicine Contaminants
Ayurvedic Medicine Contaminants (South Asia)
Common Sources:
- Metal-based preparations (Bhasmas)
- Herbal medicines
- Traditional remedies
Health Effects:
- Lead poisoning
- Mercury toxicity
- Arsenic poisoning
- Organ damage
Traditional Chinese Medicine Contaminants
Common Sources:
- Herbal preparations
- Patent medicines
- Mineral-based remedies
Health Effects:
- Liver damage
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Kidney dysfunction
- Developmental issues
Water Contaminants
Fluoride (Endemic Areas - India, China, Africa)
Common Sources:
- Natural groundwater contamination
- Industrial waste
- Phosphate fertilizers
- Coal burning emissions
Health Effects:
- Dental fluorosis
- Skeletal fluorosis
- Cognitive development issues
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Growth impairment
Nitrates/Nitrites
Common Sources:
- Agricultural runoff
- Sewage contamination
- Well water in farming areas
- Fertilizer contamination
Health Effects:
- Methemoglobinemia (Blue baby syndrome)
- Respiratory distress
- Developmental delays
- Possible cancer risk
Microplastics
Common Sources:
- Bottled water
- Tap water
- Food chain contamination
- Personal care products
Health Effects:
- Endocrine disruption
- Oxidative stress
- Inflammation
- Potential developmental effects
- Possible cancer risk
Food Additives and Preservatives
Artificial Food Colors
Common Sources:
- Processed foods
- Beverages
- Candies
- Cereals
- Snack foods
Health Effects:
- Hyperactivity
- Attention deficits
- Allergic reactions
- Behavioral changes
Sulfites
Common Sources:
- Dried fruits
- Processed potato products
- Wine and grape juice
- Preserved foods
Health Effects:
- Asthma attacks
- Allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals
- Respiratory distress
Radiation Sources
Radon Gas
Common Sources:
- Natural ground emissions
- Building materials
- Well water
- Basement areas
Health Effects:
- Increased lung cancer risk
- Respiratory issues
- DNA damage
- Cellular mutations
Non-Ionizing Radiation
Common Sources:
- Mobile phones
- Wi-Fi devices
- Power lines
- Microwave ovens
Health Effects:
- Potential neurological effects
- Sleep disturbances
- Behavioral changes
- Possible carcinogenic effects (under study)
Emerging Contaminants
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Common Sources:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-resistant clothing
- Food packaging
- Fire-fighting foam contamination
- Stain-resistant treatments
Health Effects:
- Immune system suppression
- Hormonal disruption
- Liver damage
- Developmental delays
- Possible cancer risk
Nanomaterials
Common Sources:
- Sunscreens
- Food packaging
- Electronics
- Medical devices
- Personal care products
Health Effects:
- Potential respiratory effects
- Possible cellular damage
- Oxidative stress
- Unknown long-term effects
Agricultural Toxins
Chlorpyrifos and Organophosphates
Common Sources:
- Agricultural spraying
- Residues on fruits and vegetables
- Contaminated soil
- Drift from farming areas
Health Effects:
- Developmental neurotoxicity
- ADHD-like behaviors
- Reduced IQ scores
- Memory and attention problems
- Motor development delays
Neonicotinoids
Common Sources:
- Treated seeds
- Fruit and vegetable residues
- Contaminated water sources
- House plant treatments
Health Effects:
- Neurological development impacts
- Memory formation issues
- Behavioral changes
- Possible endocrine disruption
Construction Materials
Asbestos (Still Present in Developing Nations)
Common Sources:
- Old building materials
- Deteriorating school buildings
- Construction debris
- Renovation dust
- Talc products (contamination)
Health Effects:
- Mesothelioma risk
- Lung function impairment
- Respiratory problems
- Long-term cancer risk
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Common Sources:
- Vinyl flooring
- Window frames
- Pipes
- Synthetic leather
- Children's toys
Health Effects:
- Respiratory irritation
- Endocrine disruption
- Developmental issues
- Possible cancer risk
Region-Specific Environmental Hazards
Artisanal Gold Mining Toxins (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Common Sources:
- Mercury amalgamation process
- Contaminated water sources
- Soil contamination
- Air pollution from processing
Health Effects:
- Neurological damage
- Developmental delays
- Kidney damage
- Respiratory problems
- Cognitive impairment
Brick Kiln Emissions (South Asia)
Common Sources:
- Coal burning
- Biomass combustion
- Dust emissions
- Soil contamination
Health Effects:
- Acute respiratory infections
- Asthma exacerbation
- Growth stunting
- Cardiovascular effects
Biological Toxins
Mycotoxins
Common Sources:
- Moldy foods
- Contaminated grains
- Damp buildings
- Agricultural products
- Improperly stored foods
Health Effects:
- Growth impairment
- Immune system suppression
- Liver damage
- Neurological effects
- Cancer risk (aflatoxins)
Cyanobacterial Toxins
Common Sources:
- Contaminated water bodies
- Recreational water exposure
- Contaminated drinking water
- Fish and shellfish
Health Effects:
- Liver damage
- Neurological problems
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory issues
Urban-specific Pollutants
Traffic-Related Air Pollutants
Common Sources:
- Vehicle exhaust (diesel and gasoline)
- Brake and tire wear particles
- Road dust
- Construction vehicle emissions
Health Effects:
- Reduced lung function
- Increased asthma risk
- Neurodevelopmental effects
- Cardiovascular impacts
- Cognitive development issues
Urban Heat Island Pollutants
Common Sources:
- Concentrated air pollution
- Ground-level ozone formation
- Building emissions
- Industrial heat waste
Health Effects:
- Heat stress
- Respiratory distress
- Dehydration risk
- Sleep disruption
- Cardiovascular strain
School Environment Toxins
Classroom Air Contaminants
Common Sources:
- Poor ventilation
- Art supplies
- Cleaning products
- Mold growth
- Chalk dust
Health Effects:
- Allergic reactions
- Concentration difficulties
- Headaches
- Respiratory issues
- Eye irritation
Playground Equipment Toxins
Common Sources:
- Treated wood structures
- Rubber surfacing materials
- Paint on equipment
- Artificial turf
Health Effects:
- Skin irritation
- Chemical burns
- VOC exposure
- Heavy metal exposure
Sports and Recreation Area Contaminants
Swimming Pool Chemicals
Common Sources:
- Chlorine and bromine
- Disinfection byproducts
- pH adjusters
- Algaecides
Health Effects:
- Respiratory irritation
- Eye irritation
- Skin reactions
- Asthma exacerbation
- Possible endocrine disruption
Artificial Turf Components
Common Sources:
- Crumb rubber infill
- Synthetic grass fibers
- Base materials
- Heat-released chemicals
Health Effects:
- Heat stress
- Skin abrasions
- Inhalation of particles
- Chemical exposure through contact
Food Chain Contaminants
Bioaccumulative Toxins
Common Sources:
- Large predatory fish
- Animal fat
- Dairy products
- Farm-raised fish
Health Effects:
- Neurological development issues
- Hormonal disruption
- Immune system effects
- Growth impacts
- Cognitive development concerns
Agricultural Chemical Residues
Common Sources:
- Non-organic produce
- Processed foods
- Animal products
- Grain products
Health Effects:
- Endocrine disruption
- Developmental effects
- Allergic reactions
- Potential carcinogenic effects
Electronic Device Emissions
Screen-Related Exposures
Common Sources:
- Blue light emissions
- Electromagnetic fields
- Heat generation
- Static electricity
Health Effects:
- Sleep disruption
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Potential neurological effects
Battery and Electronic Component Toxins
Common Sources:
- Damaged devices
- Improper disposal
- Device overheating
- Manufacturing residues
Health Effects:
- Chemical burns
- Respiratory irritation
- Heavy metal exposure
- Skin sensitization
