Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was studied?
This review explored the neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity from industrial chemicals, focusing on their impact on children’s cognitive and behavioral development. The study reviewed evidence linking environmental exposures to toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and solvents to neurodevelopmental disorders. These chemicals were analyzed for their long-term effects on the developing brain, with particular attention to their ability to cause deficits in IQ, attention, motor skills, and other aspects of cognitive functioning. The review emphasized the heightened vulnerability of the developing brain, especially during critical periods such as prenatal and early childhood stages.
Who was studied?
The review compiled studies from various populations, including children exposed to industrial chemicals in both occupational and environmental settings. It highlighted groups exposed through prenatal exposure via maternal contamination and postnatal exposure through environmental factors like air pollution, contaminated water, or living near industrial sites. Specific case studies, such as those in areas with high pesticide use or near industrial emissions, were included to demonstrate the global nature of the problem. The review also emphasized the growing body of evidence from birth cohort studies that track children over time to assess the impact of early-life exposures.
Most important findings
The most significant finding of the review was that industrial chemicals known to cause developmental neurotoxicity have been linked to a wide range of neurobehavioral problems in children. These include learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and decreased IQ. It was found that no safe level of exposure to lead, methylmercury, or other neurotoxicants exists, particularly in children under the age of five. The review also confirmed that early-life exposure to chemicals such as lead, mercury, and pesticides resulted in long-term cognitive deficits, with some effects detectable well into adolescence. Additionally, it was highlighted that industrial chemicals continue to be released into the environment at alarming rates, contributing to an ongoing “silent pandemic” of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The study further emphasized the importance of precautionary principles in the regulation of chemicals, advocating for more stringent testing and regulations to prevent exposure before irreversible damage occurs. The review also pointed to the global burden of developmental neurotoxicity, estimating substantial economic losses due to impaired intelligence, which impacts children’s future academic and career achievements.
Key implications
For the Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HTMC) program, these findings underscore the critical need for robust standards for the testing and regulation of neurotoxic chemicals in both consumer products and industrial processes. HTMC certification should require the inclusion of neurotoxicity testing as a standard practice for all chemicals in widespread use, particularly those that may come into contact with vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, and workers in high-risk industries. Stringent exposure limits, especially for lead, mercury, and pesticides, should be adopted to protect children from irreversible neurodevelopmental damage. Furthermore, HTMC guidelines should advocate for the use of safer, non-toxic alternatives to these chemicals in consumer products and industrial applications.
Citation
Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet. Neurology, 13(3), 330. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70278-3
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxic heavy metal found in various consumer products and environmental sources, making it a major public health concern. Its regulation is critical to protect vulnerable populations from long-term health effects, such as neurological impairment and cardiovascular disease. The HMTC program ensures that products meet the highest standards for mercury safety.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
