LAUSR

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics ADHD — : attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder EPA — : Environmental Protection Agency PBDE — : polybrominated diphenyl ether TENDR — : Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks Pregnant women, infants, and children are continually exposed to chemicals that are toxic to brain development. Yet too little has been done to protect them from the possibility of harm. In 2015, a diverse group of physicians and other health professionals, scientists, and advocates established Project Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks (TENDR) to focus awareness and advocate for action against toxic chemicals that contribute to the risk of development of brain-based disorders in children, including intellectual and learning disabilities, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 Ten years ago, this landmark agreement among leading scientists and health professionals would not have been possible, but the accumulated evidence, which illustrates a pattern of toxicity, is credible and convincing. The release of the TENDR consensus statement coincided with the recent signing into law of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This act is the first update of the Toxic Substances Control Act since the law was adopted in 1976. This legislative effort was an important step toward protecting children from toxic chemicals, but, by itself, provides too little action at too slow a pace. Specific information is given below on how health care providers can respond to this legislation and advocate for safe policies that protect children. Additional information is also provided on advice providers can give to families regarding avoidance of toxic chemicals. The etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders is complex and multifactorial, but epidemiologic data, along with laboratory studies of animals, clearly indicate that exposures to certain toxic chemicals, even at very … Address correspondence to Deborah Hirtz, MD, FAAN, Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, HSRF 426, 149 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405. E-mail: deborah.hirtz{at}uvmhealth.org