Why Now?

• Since the 1950s, many environmental factors have been introduced (chemicals in air, food, water, and soil) to increase the effects of the environment and its interaction with the genetic constitution of the developing fetus and the child. Others (DDT) have been decreased, at least in the U.S.
• Since the 1950s, many technological advances have been made (identifying biomarkers, mapping the human genome, computerization, etc.) that would contribute to the ability to identify environmental risks