Conference on environmental toxins' effect on children

An emerging body of evidence shows just how dramatically children’s brains, bodies and behaviors may be altered by small doses of chemicals, additives and toxins found in food and other products children encounter everyday.

The most recent public debate is over Bisphenol A, a chemical widely used in baby bottles to sippy cups despite evidence in laboratory animals it can lead to obesity, behavior and other problems.

But there are hundreds of other environmental toxins in products that may be having profound impacts on children’s development.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, some of the best brains in the business of environmental toxins and development will participate in a one day presentation on the effects of these toxins on children's intellectual, emotional and physical development. While the conference is designed for professionals, members of the public are welcome.

Participants will learn about practical approaches, programs and interventions that have successfully reduced exposure to these chemicals, including programs targeting families living in urban housing.
Well known development guru Philip Landrigan will give the keynote address on children’s health and the environment.
David Bellinger will discuss lead impacts on children while Bernard Weiss will discuss the chasm between “regulation and reality for environmental contaminants that act on the developing brain."
Megan Sandel will discuss medical legal partnerships and Barbara Brenner will discuss growing up healthy in an urban community.

The event is sponsored by the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, the Boston Institute for the Development of Infants and Parents and the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society. For more information on location, cost, etc. go to http://www.mspp.edu/academics/continuing-education/programs/cd09.asp