The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on Neurodevelopment: A Turn Towards Prevention

Exposure to toxic chemicals can adversely impact children’s neurodevelopment. Yet, remarkably few resources are dedicated to preventing these adverse effects. We developed a developmental neurotoxicological knowledge translation (KT) tool, the PRevention of Toxic Chemicals in the Environment for Children Tool (PRoTECT), and evaluated the efficacy of a KT video, Little Things Matter: The Impact of Toxins on the Developing Brain.

In study one, PRoTECT was refined via focus groups and implemented with 190 participants of childbearing age for development via exploratory factor analysis. We found evidence for a four-factor model, of which 16 of the 18 items had adequate loadings > 0.40 on a derived factor.

In study two, we evaluated responses of 15,594 international participants to validate PRoTECT’s conceptual dimensionality and general response patterns across various demographic characteristics. Seventeen items fit into a three-factor model with factors, or subscales, representing (1) preferences to lower exposure and increase prevention, (2) knowledge of the regulation of toxic chemicals by government and industry, and (3) knowledge of developmental neurotoxicology. Scores on subscales 1 and 3 tended to be higher among participants from India, participants with higher education, and parents and pregnant women, indicating stronger preferences to lower exposure and increase prevention and greater knowledge of developmental neurotoxicology, whereas scores on subscale 2 tended to be higher among participants from the United States, indicating less trust in government and industry.

In study three, a randomized controlled trial was conducted, whereby participants were assigned to either watch the KT video (experimental group) or serve in the control group. Scores on PRoTECT and other behavioural items were examined at baseline and six-week follow-up. At baseline, participants in the experimental group showed greater changes in scores on PRoTECT and a greater intent to reduce exposure than the control group, but the differences were much smaller at six-week follow up; no meaningful changes in behaviour were noted.

This dissertation addresses KT gaps in developmental neurotoxicology. While we wait for legislation to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, we must find ways to effectively communicate these risks with the hope of advocating for stricter regulations.