We’ve known for decades that exposure to toxins is one of the leading causes of ADHD, but it’s always unsettling to receive news that confirms this discovery. A 2006 issue of The Lancet recognizes that industrial chemicals (e.g. methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, and arsenic) are one of the causes of neuro-developmental disorders, violent behavior, lowered IQ, short attention spans, and antisocial behavior.  In the same year, a study by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental health discovered that children who have high levels of a flame retardant called PBDEs in their umbilical cord blood scored lower on mental and physical development tests. More recently, a research study published in the journal Neurotoxicology in 2009 discovered a strong association between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on floor paneling and the incidence of autism.

Spurred by these findings, 12 leaders from the learning and developmental disabilities community published a report called Mind, Disrupted: How Toxic Chemicals May Change How We Think and Who We Are. For this report, the 12 participants volunteered to have their bodies tested for 89 chemicals suspected of being neurotoxins – chemicals that affect brain development and function.  These chemicals include lead, mercury, bisphenol A, prchlorate, triclosan, pesticides, and more.  Of the 89 chemicals, 61 were found across the participants. Each participant had at least 26 chemicals and as many as 38.  The test results were quite shocking to the participants, especially those who had already made the switch to organic produce and products.

This report reinforces the fact that chemical exposures and other environmental factors are often overlooked when it comes to the diagnosis of chronic disorders and diseases.  Although ADHD is the outcome of a complex set of factors, studies show that chemical exposures do play a role in its onset, especially among children. After looking at studies and interviews, the authors were able to collect data on ADHD and its associated chemicals.

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The Mind, Disrupted report reinforces the necessity for toxic element screening in the ADHD evaluation process.  There is no such thing as a “safe” level of exposure for any of these toxins because children have not yet developed the defenses to resist them. And no matter how hard we try to avoid contaminating our bodies, neurotoxic chemicals continue to lurk in the most unlikely of places – in the bottles we use to drink, the toys our children play with, and the personal care products we use.

You can download and read the whole report at Mind Disrupted.