Averages were obtained for each of the 1,000 samples and the 950 th rank ordered average was defined as the 95 th percentile. Individuals would have to consume approximately three times these amounts before exceeding the lowest level reasonably expected to result in signs or symptoms of toxicity. Children are at greater risk than adults from certain kinds of exposures to hazardous substances emitted from waste sites and emergency events. They are more likely to be exposed because they play outdoors and they often bring food into contaminated areas. They are shorter than adults, which means they breathe dust, soil, and heavy vapors close to the ground.
Children are also smaller, resulting in higher doses of chemical exposure per body weight.
The developing body systems of children can sustain permanent damage if toxic exposures occur during critical growth stages. Most importantly, children depend completely on adults for risk identification and management decisions, housing decisions, and access to medical care. Special consideration was given to children's health in this consultation.