Why are children more susceptible to toxic exposures than adults?

Children are more susceptible to toxic exposures than adults primarily due to their smaller body size and the fact that they are still undergoing critical stages of development. Because their bodies are smaller, any toxic substance they are exposed to can have a more concentrated effect. Additionally, their organs, including the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for processing and eliminating toxins, may not be fully developed, further increasing their vulnerability to harmful substances.

During early development, children are also more rapidly growing, and their cells and bodily systems are maturing. This developmental phase makes them more sensitive to certain environmental toxins, which can interfere with growth and development processes. As a result, the combination of smaller size, ongoing development, and the unique physiological characteristics of children leads to a higher risk of harmful effects from toxic exposures compared to adults.