Synopsis
In today's world, everyone carries in their bloodstream a toxic assortment of dozens of industrially produced chemicals. Not only do these adversely affect the health of adults and children, but also, and more worryingly, they damage the development of unborn infants; the amniotic fluid of pregnant women has been found to contain a variety of chemicals, such as pesticides, plasticizers, disinfectant products, flame-retardants, surfactants and UV filters, many of
which interfere with fetal physiology.
Toxic Cocktail: How Chemical Pollution Is Poisoning Our Brains makes a warning call to action. A single gland in our bodies, the thyroid, produces thyroid hormone vital for brain development, but many chemicals that we are exposed to are thyroid-disrupting. As the number of chemicals in the environment to which we, and, particularly, developing fetuses and toddlers, are exposed to inexorably rises, we simultaneously witnessing an unprecedented increase in neurodevelopmental disorders
such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and IQ loss.
The urgent question thus arises: Is chemical pollution poisoning brain development? And if so, as this book convincingly shows, what can be done about it collectively and individually?
Toxic Cocktail explains the developmental processes and chemical disruption associated with thyroid hormone, discusses recent activity for environmental regulations and industrial lobbying in the United States and European Union, and makes pertinent suggestions for legislators and individuals-providing a "self-help" guide-for reducing exposure and limiting the dangerous effects of the multitude of chemicals on brain development.
Toxic Cocktail is an engaging read for parents, general readers, and professionals in the health and education sectors.
The book should be of interest to anyone who would like to be aware of the threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to our children's development. The basic science material addressing thyroid function and dysfunction is presented clearly and with good documentation...Toxic Cocktail is informative in its description of the scientific, political, and economic dimensions of governmental regulation. * PsycCRITIQUES * In a complex and changing world, it is not surprising that humans ignore subtle warning signs that predict danger. Psychological science has much to offer in explaining why people are often incapable of acting in their own self-interest, particularly in regard to life sustaining policies that concern global warming, environmental protection, and public health. * PsycCRITIQUES * The thyroid system has several qualities that make it an excellent choice for coverage. [Toxic Cocktail] beautifully illustrates the Goldilocks principle of endocrinology: the amount of hormone made by the gland must be just right for the body to function properly. * Andrea C. Gore, The Lancet *