A/HRC/33/41 before birth through their mother’s exposure. Exposure to toxics and pollution (toxics) 9 continues incessantly after birth. While the studies primarily come from certain countries, every child is a victim of this “toxic trespass”, in varying degrees. 6. Children in low-income, minority, indigenous and marginalized communities are at more risk, as exposure levels in such communities are often higher and are exacerbated by malnutrition, with the adverse effects inadequately monitored. Hence, questions arise of “environmental racism” and “environmental injustice” that undermine human dignity, equality and non-discrimination. The situation regarding childhood exposure in developing countries is already known to be grave, however the actual magnitude of impacts is still insufficiently measured.10 7. This assault on children’s rights is largely invisible. Toxics contaminate air, water, food, playgrounds, houses, schools and other sources of exposure, contrary to the child’s right to adequate housing and safe food, water and play, producing deadly or lifelong impacts on mental and physical health. Missing information about who manufactures, sells, uses, trades in, releases or disposes of hazardous substances is compounded by information deficits on the health risks and impacts of exposure, 11 enabling perpetrators to evade accountability. 8. Many factors contribute to children being exposed around the world. Policies that prioritize businesses’ instead of children’s best interests, gaps in legislation,12 outrageous failures to enforce existing laws, 13 the lack of capacity for monitoring and oversight, corporate misinformation campaigns,14 fragmented governance15 and disengaged health and labour ministries16 are but a few of the problems that leave children in both the wealthiest and the poorest countries bearing the brunt of an assault from toxic chemicals and pollution. 9. Cancer now figures among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases of cancer and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012.17 The incidence of childhood cancer has risen during periods of rapid increase in the use of industrial chemicals; this increased incidence cannot be explained by genetics or lifestyle choices alone.18 The incidence of testicular, breast and other cancers that may be triggered by childhood exposure to toxics has also increased in recent decades. Six hundred thousand children develop irreversible intellectual disabilities every year, from lead alone.19 Beyond lead, an untold number of neurotoxicants are believed to be eroding intelligence, and contributing to developmental abnormalities and behavioural disorders. Type 2 diabetes, which was previously seen only in adults,20 is predicted to be the seventh leading 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 4 In the present report, “toxics” refers to all types of hazardous substances and wastes that may constitute a threat to children, including pollution, toxic chemicals, radioactive substances, explosives, and others. A/HRC/30/40. Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Exposure of Pregnant Consumers to Suspected Endocrine Disruptors, p. 7; UNEP, Global Chemicals Outlook (2012); and A/HRC/30/40. Submissions from Uzbekistan (noting the need for a clear legal framework) and Loyola University Chicago. See joint letter of allegation (footnote 13 above). See, for example, www.chicagotribune.com/ct-met-citizens-for-fire-safety-20120902-story.html. Submission from International Service for Human Rights, p. 5. A/HRC/30/40/Add.1, A/HRC/33/41/Add.1 and A/HRC/33/41/Add.2. WHO, cancer fact sheet, No. 297 (2015). National Cancer Institute (United States of America), Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results programme, monograph (1999). WHO, lead poisoning and health fact sheet, No. 379 (2014). WHO, diabetes fact sheet, No. 312 (2016).