Developmental neurotoxicology of endocrine disruptors and pesticides: Identification of information gaps and research needs

There is increasing evidence that some environmental chemicals can interrupt neurodevelopmental processes during critical periods of development, resulting in effects on sensory, motor, and cognitive function. It is now generally accepted that developing organisms are differentially sensitive to chemical exposure because of toxicokinetic and/or toxicodynamic factors. Regulatory mechanisms have been implemented to protect humans from over- or inappropriate exposures to environmental chemicals. Current regulatory practices, however, may be insufficient because of the possibility that some environmental chemicals interfere with endocrine function at key periods of neurodevelopment. In addition, a recent National Research Council (NRC) report on pesticide contamination in the diets of infants and children concluded that current regulatory practices may not sufficiently protect infants and children from the risk of pesticide exposure. The NRC report indicates that regulatory agencies might underestimate the actual exposure of infants and children to pesticides and rely too heavily on data from adults in the risk assessment of pesticides. Consideration of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the differential susceptibility of infants and children has led to identification of a number of information gaps and research needs that should be addressed in order to improve future risk assessments for these chemicals.