Provided by: www.ewg.org
Developmental toxicants are commonly referred to as chemicals that cause birth defects. The harmful effects caused by developmental toxicants range from low birth weight to a host of other physiological, behavioral, or biological problems that are either apparent at birth, or become apparent as the child grows.
Exposure of the mother or father to toxic chemicals can cause development effects, although maternal exposure is more commonly the cause.
Most chemicals found in food are not well tested for subtle long term developmental effects such as those that may influence behavior, intelligence, or organ system function. Current developmental toxicity tests for pesticides focus primarily on gross, readily observable structural birth defects such as malformed limbs.
Developmental toxins commonly found in food include the fungicides vinclozolin and benomyl, methyl mercury, cadmium, and benzene.
For more information on developmental toxicity, visit The Association of Birth Defect Children
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