Reducing the chemical load in children's environments is essential. More and more children are being diagnosed with diseases and disorders such as asthma, ADD and multiple chemical sensitivity that are connected to chemical exposures. The incidence of sick school syndrome is also on the increase. Due to their size, rate of growth and activity, children are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of chemicals. Certain chemicals, such as lead, pesticides, and solvents, have been found to have profound effects on their growth, behaviour and intelligence, particularly in early childhood.
Children spend a great deal of their early years in childcare and at school.
It is in these environments they are exposed to a wide range of potentially damaging chemicals, and where efforts must be focussed to reduce the chemical load. Toxic Playground features practical checklists for identifying and minimising chemical pollutants indoors. A Chemical Hazards Audit provides the basis for developing priorities for chemical risk reduction. Case studies of children with chemical sensitivities are included to illustrate the difficulties these children, their parents, carers and teachers face in providing healthy environments. Modern chemical exposure is insidious and invisible and the unseen enemy is the chemical load.