Healthy+Children+Project



Learning Disabilities Association of America
The LDA's Healthy Children Project is dedicated to reducing the effects of environmental contaminants on brain development, especially in children. A growing body of research indicates that many learning and behavior problems are linked to toxic chemicals which are widespread in the environment and products, and to which we are exposed on a daily basis.

The Learning Disabilities Association created the Healthy Children Project to:

•Raise awareness of environmental factors, particularly toxic chemicals, that can harm brain development, contributing to learning disabilities and behavior disorders,

•Prevent toxic chemical exposures,especially among pregnant women and children,

•Build a nationwide network of LDA members working to protect children's health and reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations. Children More At Risk From Toxic Chemicals Children are not "little adults" - their developing brains and bodies, their metabolism and behaviors make them uniquely vulnerable to harm from toxic chemicals.

•Exposure begins in the womb through the mother's expsoures to toxic chemicals. Infants ingest chemicals through breast milk, formula and contact with their environment.

•Rapid brain development in the fetus, infants and young children make them more susceptible to harm from chemicals that may impair brain function and development.

•For their weight, children eat, drink and breathe more than adults - so pound for pound they take in a greater quantity of toxic contaminants. A small exposure translates into a big dose.

•﻿ Children put things in their mouths and spend a lot of time on the floor and ground, so they may ingest chemicals from toys, containers, dirt and dust on a regular basis.