The effects of climate change and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals on children's health: A challenge for pediatricians

Abstract

The natural, economic and public health crises that have periodically struck the world over the past two decades have often revealed a low degree of self-sufficiency and a high degree of unpreparedness on the part of European and non-European countries. It is generally the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences, and adverse events have shown their effects and direct negative impact mainly on the population aged 0–18 years, with major implications for families and communities. Climate change and environmental pollution are certainly prominent among the natural disasters impacting children's health. In particular, environmental pollution events have been increasingly correlated with health conditions, including allergic diseases related to increased allergen production, infectious diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Data from the literature have shown how chemicals can interfere with children's health, and special attention has been paid to endocrine disruptors because of their possible damage on various endocrine and nonendocrine systems. This brief overview explores the important impacts of climate change and environmental pollution on children's health, with the goal of further raising awareness among pediatricians and public health authorities on this critical issue for the future of children's health.