EU research project investigates neurotoxicants

With the number of children suffering from learning and behavioural disorders seemingly on the increase, scientists fear that exposure of new born or unborn children to neurotoxicants (chemicals in the environment that can damage the nervous system)  are responsible.

The European Commission is therefore providing 2.4 million euro to the Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP)  DEVNERTOX. The project will investigate the neurotoxic effect of persistent food contaminants on the developing nervous system.

Mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)  are two examples of persistent pollutants that build up both in the environment and the food chain. The effect they might have on people and particularly children is not fully understood, nor is the long-term effect of exposure to low doses of these substances.

Read more about the consortium here.

Source: Cordis