Children’s & Women's Physicians of Westchester, LLP

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ALERT FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS - PBAs & Cadmium Can Pose Risks
	Those little pieces of jewelry your children play with may be dangerous to their health, and so may many other toys and items around the house that contain Cadmium, a lead-like substance, or PBAs, polycarbonate releases, a chemical known as bisphenol A also know as BPA, which are found in many plastic products used in the home. According to Allen Dozor, MD, Director of the Children's Environmental Health Center of the Hudson Valley, one of only eight such centers in New York State, environmental hazards in the home — or anywhere — can have severe consequences if children are exposed and the effects go undiagnosed and untreated. “Cadmium is a perfect example,” Dr. Dozor explains. “Chinese manufacturers substitute cadmium for lead. From a risk standpoint, cadmium unequivocally causes brain damage and lowers IQ.” Cadmium is malleable, which makes it suitable for making small items like toy characters and jewelry.
Allen Dozor, MD
The Children's Environmental Health Center of the Hudson Valley has sent out alerts on the cadmium issue, along with warnings on PBAs, a plastic byproduct found in everything from toys to food packaging. While permissible levels are not established, health experts like Dr. Dozor suspect that PBAs are the culprit in many environment-related child illnesses. Safe levels of some substances are hard to determine, he adds. “It's political, and it gets complicated.” Dr. Dozor also sits on the Child Health Protection Committee of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Symptoms of cadmium and PBA-related toxicity can range from sluggishness, irritability and changes in mood or appetite, to developmental delays and seizures. Many suspect that PBA exposure may result in early puberty in girls, with complications down the road. Since the immune system gets stronger with age, infants and young children are particularly susceptible to toxins found in the environment — everything from second-hand tobacco smoke, to lead in paint, and chemicals in everyday household items. “Children are like canaries in the coal mine.” Dr. Dozor says. “Toxic chemicals go right through their system and to the brain.” What should parents and caregivers do if they suspect their child has an environmental illness? “Parents should talk to their pediatrician.” Dr. Dozor states, and make an appointment with one of the four pediatricians at the Children's Environmental Health Center of the Hudson Valley, who are actively involved in diagnosing and treating these illnesses. Information on children's health and the environment can be found on the Center's Web site at www.ChildrensEnvironment.org.
Children's Environmental Health Center of the Hudson Valley
Back to News