Anne-Corinne Zimmer a journalist specializing in the environment has written a 240-page book entitled “Chemical pollutants: children in danger”. The preface is authored by Philippe Grandjean, Professor of Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and at the University of Southern Denmark, and a world-renowned specialist in the human health effects of chemical pollution, most notably with regard to brain development.

The book presents a much-needed investigation of the pollutants that are known to affect child development to which we are exposed on a daily basis. It is an essential guide that is indispensable for the protection of family health. Based on scientific evidence, it outlines how best to apply the precautionary principle in the home.

Plastic (polycarbonate) baby bottles, toys, MDF, toilette cleaners, insecticides...Babies and young children are the most frequently exposed to the chemicals now omnipresent in our daily environments through, inhalation, ingestion and contact. They are also the most vulnerable to these exposures.

Over a number of years scientific research has revealed the harmful effect of many chemicals on child development, and on their future health. International organizations such as the World Health Organisation or the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS), backed up by a mounting scientific evidence, have not ceased to warn countries and child specialists of the risks of long-term low-dose exposure to these environmental pollutants. The developing organism is particularly susceptible to the effects of certain chemicals substances. Many of these affect the endocrine system, including behaviour-influencing hormones, along with the immune and reproductive systems.

Substances identified as “endocrine disruptors” are not the only problem. Professor Philippe Grandjean refers to the chemical exposure, including chemicals with neurotoxic properties, of today’s youth as a “silent pandemic”. These substances are responsible for behavioural problems, learning difficulties and attention deficit, all which have rising incidence rates.

The result of painstaking research based on scientific studies, the aim of this book is two-fold: on the one hand it collates and puts into perspective the body of evidence on the health risks of certain pollutants and their effects on child development; on the other it enables each individual to undertake on a daily basis actions that will help to better protect children’s health. From the womb to the house, through nutrition, toys and cleaning products, the various chapters detail step-by-step, the risks to which we are exposing our young ones. After identifying the various sources of pollution the book includes simple recommendations on the alternatives that can help to protect your child.

This book, with its potentially explosive revelations, opens up a new field of action for policy-making in the public health arena. If the precautionary principle, so often referred to by health authorities, has any meaning, then it is time, in the name of future generations, to apply it without further delay.