Why Are Children Especially Susceptible To Environmental Hazards?
Children Are Not Little Adults Children are not just “little adults.” Their biological sensitivity, exploratory behavior, and a diet very different from that of adults make children particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures. Not only do children differ from adults, they differ from each other. There is more to growth than just getting bigger. Their biological sensitivity varies by population, ethnic group, age, and genetic make-up. However, these variations are not usually taken into account when considering environmental exposures to children. Children Are Biologically Sensitive Children’s biological sensitivity (the capacity to be easily harmed) places them at special risk for harm from a toxic exposure. Because a child is a growing, developing organism, she is especially vulnerable to the effects of exposure. Her metabolic reactions-the body’s way of processing and excreting toxic substances-are not as developed as those of an adult. According to Dr. Cynthia Bearer, Assista
