Are children more susceptible to toxicants than adults?
Since children eat more food, drink more water, and breathe more per pound than adults, they intake more toxicants into their bodies. Besides, their metabolism and defense systems are not well developed which increase susceptibility to chemical exposures. Children's bodies are growing and developing more rapidly so, chemicals that can harm development can do maximum damage at this critical time.
Children are exposed to toxicants as early as conception and therefore the in-utero development may be affected by compounds that enter the mother's body by inhalation or ingestion as well as dermal contact. Parents of infants and toddlers are challenged by the child constantly putting their hands (and other objects) into their mouths. This creates a concern of ingesting some toxicants such as pesticides and heavy metals, as well as allergens and dust particulates. The small stature of children also exposes them to volatiles that are low lying or emitted from carpet or other flooring, as well as those encapsulated in dust.