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Review
. 2023 Feb;70(1):137-150.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.09.003.

The Pediatrician's Role in Protecting Children from Environmental Hazards

Leonardo Trasande  1 , Christopher D Kassotis  2
Affiliations
Review

The Pediatrician's Role in Protecting Children from Environmental Hazards

Leonardo Trasande et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Children suffer disproportionately from disease and disability due to environmental hazards, for reasons rooted in their biology. The contribution is substantial and increasingly recognized, particularly due to ever-increasing awareness of endocrine disruption. Regulatory actions can be traced directly to reductions in toxic exposures, with tangible benefits to society. Deep flaws remain in the policy framework in industrialized countries, failing to offer sufficient protection, but are even more limited in industrializing nations where the majority of chemical production and use will occur by 2030. Evidence-based steps for reducing chemical exposures associated with adverse health outcomes exist and should be incorporated into anticipatory guidance.

Keywords: Bisphenols; Endocrine disruption; Flame retardants; Lead; Pesticides; Phthalates.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure L. Trasande acknowledges honoraria from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Audible, Paidos and Kobunsha; travel support from the Endocrine Society, WHO, UNEP, Japan Environment and Health Ministries and the American Academy of Pediatrics; as well as scientific advisory board activities for Beautycounter, IS-Global and Footprint grant P2CES033423 from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

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