2023-05-24 16:13:17
Glyphosate, lead, cadmium, bisphenol… Words that make us shudder and yet are part of our daily lives. These pollutants are found in the air we breathe, in our food and therefore in our body. Children are not spared. This is what brings to light a new study led by the ISSeP, the Public Service Scientific Institute.
The researchers analyzed the urine of just over 600 Walloon children, aged three to eleven. There are as many little girls as little boys, some live in the city, others in the countryside or even in a heavily industrialized area.
We found a little bit of bisphenol and lead
Among the participants is Emy, who was three years old at the time of the study. Her dad, Simon, signed her up. “I pay attention to what I cook for my children, we try to eat organic and so I was interested to see if I was in the right way”. Indeed, the results of Emy are rather good, with two details: “we found a little bit of bisphenol and lead”explains Simon with a touch of astonishment.
Cadmium in 95% of children
Another metal that often poses a problem: cadmium. It is present in the urine of 95% of children participating in the study. And sometimes its concentration even exceeds the threshold considered problematic for health. “We will find it in tobacco, in food, particularly in offal and in fish. It is also found in certain industrial environments”lists Aline Jacques, researcher at ISSeP.
The results here are considered worrying “We observed higher levels than in a previous study, conducted at the Belgian level”, explains Aline Jacques. “It affects the kidneys and bones. It can cause kidney failure and bone damage such as osteoporosis.”
Glyphosate in one in three children
Also very present, pesticides. Example: glyphosate. It is found in the urine of one in three children. “It’s a substance that has nothing to do in the body”insists Ingrid Ruthy, researcher at ISSEP. “So you have to reduce your exposure as much as possible. You have to try to eat organic food, wash your fruits and vegetables, peel them…”.
A list of tips to limit your exposure
Ventilate your home, clean it with water, limit the use of plastics in food, avoid anti-flea treatments or anti-lice shampoos… It is difficult to completely avoid chemical substances, but we can limit its exposure. The advice is numerous and specific to each pollutant. The ISSeP publishes an exhaustive list on its website.
The diseases potentially caused by these substances are diverse. “Some are endocrine disruptors, other substances will eventually cause cancer, neurological disorders or liver function disorders”.
We still learn every day about the health effects of these substances
For certain pollutants, exposure thresholds not to be exceeded have been determined. For others, the information is still lacking. “Knowledge is progressing well, but we are still learning every day about the health effects of these substances on our bodies”, recognizes Ingrid Ruthy.
Good news all the same: bisphenol A, this endocrine disruptor present in certain plastics, is less present in the urine of children. Since 2011 it has been banned in baby bottles and since 2013, in kitchen utensils intended for children. The measure seems to be bearing fruit.
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#Pollution #Walloon #children #exposed #cadmium