The LDDI Scientific Consensus Statement

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT

Teleconference Description

Scientific research and experience has clearly established that environmental contaminates can cause developmental disorders. The LDDI Scientific consensus statement outlines the current scientific understanding of the links between environmental factors and learning and developmental disabilities. It also identifies important research areas that hold promise of further advancing our understanding of these links. This statement is intended as a guide to scientists, medical professionals, policymakers, public health advocates, and the general public in advancing their efforts to address the important individual and social issues raised by learning and developmental disabilities.The Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (also posted at http://www.iceh.org/LDDI.html). The statement, which has a glossary and over 200 references, was drafted and reviewed by a committee of scientists and health professionals documenting underscoring the following:Given established scientific knowledge, protecting children from neurotoxic exposures from the earliest stages of fetal development is clearly an essential public health measure. By reducing environmental factors that may lead to learning and developmental disorders, we will create a healthier environment in which all children can reach and maintain their full potential.This presentation will review the Consensus Statement and existing evidence that environmental contaminates can cause learning and developmental disorders.

Speaker BiographySteven G. Gilbert, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., Director and Founder of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders (INND), received a Ph.D. in Toxicology in 1986 from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, and is a Diplomat of American Board of Toxicology. He is an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington and Affiliate Professor, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, UW Bothell. He is a former owner and President of Biosupport, LTD., which he sold to SNBL USA Ltd. These firms were involved in pre-clinical contract research, toxicology, and specialized model development. Dr. Gilbert’s research has focused on neurobehavioral effects of low-level exposure to lead and mercury on the developing nervous system. His book, A Small Dose of Toxicology- The Health Effects of Common Chemicals was published in 2004 (www.asmalldoseof.org). Most recently he has started a wiki based web site Toxipedia (www.toxipedia.org) with the mission of connecting science and people and Healthy World Theater (www.healthyworldtheater.org). (sgilbert@innd.org).

WHEN: Tuesday July 8^{th, 2008TIME: 2-3pm Eastern Time (Please dial in a few minutes before 2:00 p.m. so we can start on time!)}

^{Moderator: Laura Abulafia, MHS}

^{Toll Free: 1.800.868.1837}

^{Direct Dial: 1.404.920.6440 Pass Code: 235 362#COST: FREE!MATERIAL: Go to the Initiative website at www.ehinitiative.org and click on the button that says next teleconference. There you will find the announcement with logistical information and the presentation under “materials” to down load or follow along on your computer. For more information on the teleconference series or AAIDD’s Environmental Health Initiative, contact: Laura Abulafia at Laura@aaidd.org or visit the website at www.ehinitiative.org. Thank you.}