A landmark paper published today in the New England Journal of Medicine sheds light on an alarming trend: chronic diseases have become the leading cause of illness and death among children in the U.S. and Europe. According to the paper, authored by 25 scientists, economists, and legal scholars from 17 U.S. and EU institutions, exposure to synthetic chemicals is a significant driver of this epidemic, warranting urgent reforms in laws and regulations governing chemical production and use.
The authors report that approximately 350,000 manufactured chemicals, mixtures, and plastics are listed in global inventories, yet less than 20% have been tested for toxicity—especially concerning their impacts on children. Since 1950, the production of these chemicals has increased fiftyfold and is projected to triple by 2050. The paper, produced under the Consortium for Children’s Environmental Health, highlights how children are uniquely vulnerable to these chemicals, which can cross the placenta and disproportionately affect developing bodies.
The Toll on Children’s Health
The paper documents significant increases in childhood cancer, autism, reproductive defects, obesity, asthma, and other chronic conditions over the past 50 years. Key findings include:
- A 35% increase in childhood cancer rates in the U.S.
- A quadrupling of pediatric obesity and a marked rise in Type 2 diabetes among children and teenagers.
- A tripling of pediatric asthma cases in the U.S.
- A doubling of male reproductive birth defects, with sperm counts reduced by 59.3% in Western countries.
- Autism spectrum disorder diagnoses rising to 1 in 36 children in the U.S., up from 1 in 150 in 2000. Similarly, neurodevelopmental disorders now affect 1 in 6 U.S. children.
These conditions not only harm children’s health but also carry profound economic consequences, costing an estimated $340 billion annually in the U.S. and $209 billion in the EU.
The Role of Chemical Exposure
Unlike pharmaceuticals, synthetic chemicals enter the market with minimal testing and virtually no post-market health surveillance. According to the authors, existing legislation in the U.S. and EU allows chemical manufacturers to evade accountability, often under the guise of trade secrets. For example:
- The U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act lacks the authority to enforce its promise to protect public health.
- Government subsidies and trade secret protections enable U.S. chemical manufacturers to conceal evidence about toxicity.
- EU legislation, though more stringent on paper, relies on self-reported toxicity data from manufacturers with little quality control.
The study also criticizes policies that assess the hazards of chemicals in isolation, ignoring the cumulative effects of children’s daily exposure to chemical mixtures.
Call to Action
Reversing this crisis requires comprehensive legal and policy changes to hold chemical manufacturers accountable and prioritize children’s health. This includes:
- Mandating pre-market toxicity testing for all chemicals.
- Strengthening enforcement powers of regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Addressing the cumulative and synergistic effects of chemical mixtures.
- Recognizing and mitigating children’s unique vulnerabilities to toxic exposure.
Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense, emphasized the urgency of the issue: “Kudos to this team of scientists for documenting the connection between chemicals and childhood disease. There is no more important work than protecting today’s and future generations of children from toxic exposures.”
How Supplements Can Help Protect Children from Chemical Exposure and Prevent Chronic Disease
Chemical exposure is an often-overlooked concern in today’s environment. Everyday substances like plastics, pesticides, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants are increasingly present in our surroundings. Children, due to their smaller size and still-developing systems, may be more sensitive to these exposures.
Supporting the body with targeted nutrients is one way many parents choose to promote overall wellness. Ingredients such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), Acceleradine® iodine, Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder, and Accelerated Ancient Salt® are commonly used to support general detox pathways, cellular health, and foundational balance in the body.
Let’s explore how these carefully selected supplements are used to support well-being in a modern world filled with environmental challenges.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC): Protecting Cells and Supporting Detoxification
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a foundational nutrient that supports healthy cell membranes, which act as the first line of defense against toxins. Think of PC as the “architect” of cellular health, ensuring that cells remain strong and functional even in the face of chemical challenges.
Acceleradine® Iodine: Cellular Detoxification and Protection
Iodine is a crucial element for detoxification and thyroid health, and Acceleradine® iodine is uniquely formulated to maximize its detoxifying power. Children are often exposed to harmful halogens like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine, which compete with iodine for receptor sites in the body. Acceleradine® iodine helps eliminate these toxins and restores cellular balance.
Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder: Binding and Safely Removing Toxins
Detoxification often comes with unpleasant side effects, but Accelerated Cellular Detox® Powder ensures a gentle yet effective detox process by binding to toxins and preventing their recirculation.
Accelerated Ancient Salt®: Restoring Minerals and Enhancing Detox Pathways
Accelerated Ancient Salt® is a unique blend of over 62 trace minerals that replenishes the body’s electrolytes while enhancing detoxification.
- Replenishes Essential Minerals
Chemical exposure depletes the body’s mineral reserves, weakening cellular function. This salt restores critical minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, ensuring cells have what they need to detoxify effectively. - Supports the Sodium-Potassium Pump
The sodium-potassium pump is essential for moving toxins out of cells and bringing nutrients in. Accelerated Ancient Salt® provides the minerals needed to keep this process running smoothly, promoting optimal cellular detoxification. - Balances Cellular Hydration
Proper hydration is crucial for flushing out toxins. Accelerated Ancient Salt® improves the body’s ability to retain and utilize water, ensuring cells stay hydrated and detox pathways remain open. - Neutralizes Toxins The trace minerals in Accelerated Ancient Salt® have an alkalizing effect, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by chemical exposure.
Taking Action Against Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure is an unavoidable reality, but with these powerful supplements, you can help protect your children’s health and give their bodies the tools they need to detoxify and thrive. By incorporating these supplements into their daily routine, you’re not just mitigating the risks of toxins—you’re setting them up for a lifetime of resilience, energy, and well-being.
A Growing Epidemic, a Call for Change
As the paper highlights, while adult mortality rates from conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer have declined, children’s rates of illness, disability, and death from chronic diseases are rising. Without immediate and meaningful reforms, the future health of today’s children—and future generations—remains at risk. Protecting children from harmful chemicals isn’t just a public health priority; it’s a moral imperative.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
