Chemical and non-chemical stressors on children’s health

A sign in a park warns visitors that pesticide spraying is in progress.

A recent publication looking at the joint effect of chemical and non-chemical stressors on children’s health found that more often than not, the combination of chemical and non-chemical stressors was more strongly associated with adverse health outcomes than the individual measures. Researchers examined the literature and reviewed 12 studies that looked at phthalates, pesticides, and PCBs as well as environmental indices co-occurring with social, mental, or psychological stressors. Authors noted that there is a need to investigate mechanisms and relationships on how chemical and non-chemical stressors may affect health outcomes.