Scientists Unite on How to Protect Children from Toxic Contributors to Autism
We have the opportunity to reduce cases of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental conditions by banning the use of chemicals that can harm children’s brains, reducing air pollution, and keeping plastics away from food and drink. The following is a guest blog from Project TENDR. – September 22, 2025 Autism […]
How to lower the arsenic in your family’s rice
A daily staple for many families, rice has hidden health risks. The Learning Disabilities Association participated in another food testing project with Healthy Babies Bright Futures and other partners. LDA helped submit rice samples from Arkansas, Maine, and South Carolina. In total, 145 samples of rice were tested and 100% had arsenic and all but […]
PFAS Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are used to make materials grease and water-resistant. These chemicals are also harmful to our health and are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down. PFAS chemicals are linked to many health effects including cancer, immune suppression, and may also make vaccines less effective. The Centers for […]
General Resources
LDA’s Healthy Children Project works to protect children from chemicals that can harm their brain health. In addition to our policy and market pressure work, we provide resources to families. Some of our resources include: Download our easy-to-reference one-pager below on how to protect your family from harmful chemicals. Our sun safety page shares tips on […]
Is Your Child at Risk of Lead Poisoning?
Many people know that children can be exposed to lead from paint in older houses, in drinking water, and even in our food. But did you know that there are more ways children are at risk for lead poisoning? Or that there is no safe level of exposure? Join us as we prepare for Lead […]
Parents have a right to know: New York Pending Bill Aims to Prevent Childhood Lead Exposure and Close Regulatory Loophole
This Mother’s and Father’s Day let’s help end the 100% preventable childhood toxic lead exposure; Every child deserves a safe, lead-free home By: Kathryn Cappella, President, Learning Disabilities Association of New York The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. At […]
Baby Food & Heavy Metals
95 percent baby food tested contains toxic chemicals that harm kid’s brains * What it means for babies’ health: The chemicals found in baby food – arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury – are neurotoxins that can harm the developing brain, lower IQ, and affect behavior. Why baby foods contain these toxic heavy metals: These four harmful metals […]
Lead
When it comes to chemicals, lead has one of the strongest links to neurological harm. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause learning disabilities, lower IQ, behavior and other permanent cognitive (brain) impacts, even at low levels of exposure. There is no safe level of lead for kids or adults. Children can be exposed […]
PFAS & Food Packaging
LDA helps protect you from toxic PFAS chemicals McDonald’s is joining other quick-service companies like Cava, Chipotle, Freshii, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, and Taco Bell who have also announced action to get rid of PFAS chemicals in food packaging. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are used to make materials grease and water-resistant. These chemicals are […]
Big Win on McDonald’s
LDA helps protect you from toxic PFAS chemicals Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are used to make materials grease and water-resistant. These chemicals are also harmful to our health and are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that: “Some studies have shown that […]