This is a public lecture, all welcome.
Toxic chemicals – such as lead, pesticides, and flame retardants – are implicated in the development of preterm births, intellectual deficits, and behavioural problems in children. The impact of low-level exposures to toxic chemicals is usually subtle for an individual child, but they can be substantial for populations. Yet too little has been done to protect children from toxic chemicals. This session will provide an overview of the population impact of toxic chemicals on children’s brain development and ways to avoid exposures to toxic chemicals during pregnancy and childhood.
Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH, a Professor at Simon Fraser University, has conducted research on the sources of lead exposure and impacts of lead poisoning for over 25 years. He led studies used by federal agencies to set standards for lead in air, water, and house dust. His studies also forced federal agencies to conclude that no amount of lead is safe. Dr. Lanphear, who is a member of the US EPA’s science advisory panel for the national air lead standard, produces videos to show how human health is inextricably linked with the environment and to elevate efforts to prevent disease. He is currently principal investigator for a study examining fetal and early childhood exposures to prevalent environmental neurotoxins including lead, pesticides, mercury, alcohol, PCBs and environmental tobacco smoke. A component of the study is the investigation of the contribution of residential hazards and residential injuries to children's health. This project recently received funding to follow the original birth cohort, until the children are five years of age. This will allow follow-up for determining the efficacy of lead hazard controls on children's blood lead levels and their risk for learning and behavioral problems. Professor Lanphear has extensive experience conducting community-based trials, including lead poisoning prevention, epidemiology of asthma, prevention of exposure to tobacco smoke and measurement of lead and allergens in housing.
If joining online: https://bristol-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/94713579091?pwd=MDVsdmU3YkRQT3VIZTIvVW9zSmlLZz09&from=addon, Meeting ID: 947 1357 9091, Passcode: 328451