By Sue Carroll, MO-SMPL Pesticide exposure has been linked to a number of chronic health problems including cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption, asthma, neurological and psychiatric disorders, immune system deficiencies and even reduced intellect. A 1987 study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute found that children living in homes where garden pesticides were used had as much as a six-fold greater chance of developing childhood leukemia. What scientific and epidemiological data there is suggest pesticide poisoning prevails despite existing protective measures. Even minor changes in the structure or function of the nervous system may have profound consequences for neurological, behavioral and related functions.
Toxic substances can alter the normal activity of the nervous system.
Some produce effects that occur almost immediately and last for several hours. The effects of other neurological substances may appear only after repeated exposures over weeks or even years. Fetuses and children are in the high risk group of being adversely affected by neurotoxic substances. A child's nervous system is particularly vulnerable because it is actively growing and establishing cellular networks, the blood-brain barrier that protect much of the adult brain and spinal cord from some toxic substances has not been fully formed and detoxification systems are not completely developed. Additionally, those persons suffering from neurological or psychiatric disorders are at risk because neurotoxic substances may intensify existing problems.