Early-Life Environmental Toxic Influences on Neural Development

Abstract

The present chapter summarizes the susceptibility of the developing nervous system of the child to exposures to pre- and postnatal environmental factors like neurodevelopmental toxicants, psychosocial factors, and socioeconomic position. In order to develop preventative measures for neurodevelopmental disorders, we highlight the need to understand the interplay of these factors with genetic makeup in the developing brain and call for an integrative approach unifying epidemiological and mechanistic studies.