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Neurodevelopmental Costs

Meaning

Neurodevelopmental costs refer to the quantifiable detriments and adverse outcomes to the developing nervous system, often resulting from exposure to environmental or toxic agents during critical periods of fetal or childhood development. These costs manifest as functional impairments, including reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. In the context of hormonal health, this term is frequently used to quantify the long-term impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on the developing brain, which is exquisitely sensitive to hormonal signaling. Calculating these costs provides an economic justification for preventative public health measures.