What Are the Concerns for Children in Toxicological Studies?
Children, like neonates and infants, have unique vulnerabilities that need to be considered in toxicological studies. Their higher metabolic rates mean that they breathe more air, consume more food, and drink more water per unit body weight than adults, potentially increasing their exposure to environmental toxins. Behavioral factors, such as hand-to-mouth activity, also elevate their risk of exposure to toxic substances. Furthermore, organs and systems are still developing, making them more sensitive to disruptions caused by toxic agents.