Update on the Role of Environmental Toxins
In this issue of the Reviews & Reports, Dr. Kouris reports on a neurodevelopmental disorder known as “Toxic Brain Injury.” Dr Kouris discusses several toxins whichwhen exposed to in childhood can lead to childhood-onset brain dysfunction. Examples include lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s). Other important examples include alcohol, cocaine, and tobacco smoke. Regarding the latter, it is not generally appreciated that there is mounting evidence that fetal exposure to maternal tobacco smoke may contribute to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism. Health care providers and the general public need to be aware of this possibility.
—Philip May, MD
Read the full report (162kb)