It should be clear that pesticides are harmful to health, and they are particularly dangerous for children. GMOs also have been shown to affect health via reproductive, immune, and organ effects. When coupled together, they are a toxic formulation that every child not fed a 100% organic diet is consuming. GMOs are not consumed alone, but with their associated pesticides, many ingredients being trade secrets and not identified to the public; another item on the menu for a health debacle.
Unlike the genetically modified mosquito, the effects of GMO crops and the subsequent inundation of our diets with glyphosate are well known. Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt gut microbes, leading to dysbiosis (an imbalanced microbiome) with a preponderance of harmful bacteria such as clostridia and a loss of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria. While these changes may seem innocuous, the effects on children’s microbial well-being are directly correlated to changes in their gut-brain-microbial axis and subsequent health.
It has now been demonstrated how glyphosate causes autism, which is now a pandemic in its own right.
With 70-80% of immune function being housed in the gastrointestinal tract and a robust/heterogeneous microbial mix being directly responsible for immunologic well-being, it is common sense to do everything we can to protect the child’s microbiome. After approximately three years of age, the microbial make-up is set and losses and insults which happen with every bite are harder to recover. The prescription for the maintenance of microbial well-being is to eat organic food, feed the microbes with a diet rich in fiber (plant-based), and avoid processed and engineered fake foods.
The need for the protection of our children’s nutrition is obvious. However, there are other environmental toxicants that are affecting their health, mandating a wider reach of understanding and a subsequent call for action. Clearly, children also require clean water, free from environmental pollutants. In a 2017 study done by the Environmental Working Group, tap water surveyed in the US over a five year period showed more that 250 detected chemical contaminants, with many being linked to brain, nervous system issues, developmental harm, and cancer. Water contamination is particularly problematic for bottle-fed babies, with tap water comprising 85% of a formula-fed baby’s diet until solid foods are introduced.
Various contaminants in our drinking water are both neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors.
Air pollution, one of the top environmental hazards for children, inequitably affects children more than adults and is responsible for many serious diseases such as asthma, neuro-developmental disorders, and cancer. Lower income regions are disproportionately affected.
Globally, 93% of children under the age of 15 years old are exposed to ambient air pollution higher than the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. There are many environmental toxicants that are injurious to children.
Persistent pollutants which are found in air, water, and food, (‘forever chemicals, such as per and polyfluorinated substances [PFAS]), have profound health toxicity ranging from stunted growth and development, endocrine, and immune system damages.
Food, air, and water.
This is a simple menu from which improvements in these basic necessities could favorably impact our children’s health on a global scale.
This is not to negate other priorities not mentioned, such as electromagnetic frequencies (5G), subjugation of children to experimental medical therapies, and drugs, as well as lack of protection in the workplace from environmental toxicants such as e-waste.