What type of disorders can toxic substances lead to in children?

Toxic substances can significantly impact a child’s development, leading to intellectual disabilities and physical deformities. Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals (like lead or mercury) or other environmental toxins, can interfere with normal brain development and functioning. This can result in cognitive impairments that manifest as learning difficulties, reduced IQ, and various developmental delays. Additionally, certain substances can cause physical deformities by disrupting normal cellular processes during critical periods of growth, leading to malformations that affect structure and function. This understanding highlights the importance of preventing exposure to toxic substances, particularly during sensitive developmental stages in childhood.