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Environnement, Risques & Santé

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Neurodevelopment and environmental pollutants Volume 21, issue 1, January-February 2022

Authors
1 Institut thématique santé publique Inserm
Biopark
8, rue de la Croix Jarry
75013 Paris
France
2 Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085
9, avenue du Prof Léon Bernard
35000 Rennes
France
* Tirés à part

Neurodevelopment is the process of the development of neurons: their proliferation, migration, differentiation, synaptogenesis, apoptosis, gliogenesis and myelination. It extends from the embryonic period through adolescence. Environmental changes particularly in utero, can lead to irreversible neurodevelopmental alterations. Exposure to environmental chemical pollutants, as to maternal infections, stress and nutritional deficiencies, has been suspected of involvement in neurodevelopmental disturbances responsible for sensorimotor, cognitive or behavioural impairment and for the increasing incidence of clinical neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in children. According to the longitudinal epidemiological studies, some chemicals of relatively recent concern, as well as older chemicals (toxic metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, bisphenols, phthalates, and fine particles from air pollution), are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The effects observed in epidemiology are consistent with the mechanisms of action of these chemicals on neurodevelopment. Biomarker measurements of chemicals in pregnant women and children recently carried out in France and Europe attest to exposure to these substances during periods of neurodevelopmental vulnerability and to the potential risk associated with it.