Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks
Project TENDR is a unique collaboration of leading scientists, health professionals and children’s and environmental advocates. We came together in 2015 out of concern over the now substantial scientific evidence linking toxic environmental chemicals to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficits, hyperactivity, intellectual disability and learning disorders.
People’s exposures to these chemicals are widespread and begin in utero. Infants and young children are especially at risk of harm because their bodies and brains are still developing, and chemicals can interfere with sensitive biological processes during critical developmental periods.
Project TENDR released a scientific Consensus Statement, on July 1, 2016, as a national Call To Action to significantly reduce exposures to chemicals and pollutants that are contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders in America’s children.
TENDR is led by Co-Directors Maureen Swanson, director of environmental risk reduction for The Arc and Irva Hertz-Picciotto, professor of epidemiology and environmental health at UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences.
In September 2020, Project TENDR issued a Policy Resolution to provide clear, science-based proposals for reducing toxic chemical exposures, especially to women of child-bearing age and children, that can harm brain development and contribute to learning, developmental and behavioral disorders.
Project TENDR is generously supported by the Broad Reach Fund, Forsythia Foundation, Park Foundation, Passport Foundation, and Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation.
