title: Neuroimaging is a novel tool to understand the impact of environmental chemicals on neurodevelopment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders has been increasing over the last several decades. Prenatal and early childhood exposure to environmental toxicants is increasingly recognized as contributing to the growing rate of neurodevelopmental disorders. Very little information is known about the mechanistic processes by which environmental chemicals alter brain development. We review the recent advances in brain imaging modalities and discuss their application in epidemiologic studies of prenatal and early childhood exposure to environmental toxicants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Neuroimaging techniques (volumetric and functional MRI, diffusor tensor imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy) have opened unprecedented access to study the developing human brain. These techniques are noninvasive and free of ionization radiation making them suitable for research applications in children. Using these techniques, we now understand much about structural and functional patterns in the typically developing brain. This knowledge allows us to investigate how prenatal exposure to environmental toxicants may alter the typical developmental trajectory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI is a powerful tool that allows in-vivo visualization of brain structure and function. Used in epidemiologic studies of environmental exposure, it offers the promise to causally link exposure with behavioral and cognitive manifestations and ultimately to inform programs to reduce exposure and mitigate adverse effects of exposure.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai bDivision of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, the New York State Psychiatric Institute and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University cDepartments of Radiology and Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Megan K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Margolis
authors.forename: Cheuk
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D059906:Neuroimaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants