ABSTRACT
One of the many factors that affect the growth and development of children is chemicals in
the environment. Children are exposed to them through the air they breathe, the food they
eat and the water they drink (1). The majority of these chemicals are not evaluated for their
potential toxicity, effects on development, or interactive effects with other chemicals prior
to commercial introduction (2,3). Attention has been focused on the interaction of
chemicals in the environment and neurodevelopment in children (4-6). Children from all
cultures and backgrounds are at risk. However, minorities and children from low-income
families are often at greater risk because of poor nutrition, an impoverished environment,
and limited access to medical care (4,7-9).
