[baby cooing] >> we know that chemicals will affect younger children, fetuses,ewborns, b babies, and young children in general more than older children and d adults. . and the reason r that isis that yoyounger chililr and fetuses are e developining h more rapidly. theieir organ systemems are mumuch more sensn. >> whahat science is starting to show now is that early exposures to toxic chemicals at critical points when a child's in the womb has effects later in life. >> endocrinine disruptorsrs are chemicals of growing concern. fetuses and children exposed to even minute amounts may develop a wide range of health conditions, from diminished intelligence to cancers later in life. our endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate the basic processes of our body, like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and development. endocrine disruptors disturb how these processes work. >> endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone signaling. proper hormone signgnaling is very important for fetal development and for childhdhood development, as well as sesexual maturation. ththerefor c compo