How Can Heavy Metal Exposure Affect Brain Development in Children?

Many factors can affect a child’s brain development and IQ. Heavy metal exposure is just one of these factors. Other factors can include genetics, nutrition, social environment, and other environmental exposures. Heavy metal exposure can interfere with learning, attention, and behavior. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals. Their brains are rapidly developing. Heavy metals found in food are likely a small part of a child’s overall exposure to heavy metals. However, a child’s total heavy metal exposure from all sources can be a risk to their health.