In this second manuscript of the early childhood development (ECD) series, the environmental pollutants that adversly affect development were investigated. Environmental pollutants that affect or may affect many children all over the world such as metals (lead, mercury, manganese); industrial by-products, namely polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons; pesticides that are used widely for agriculture and for specific circumstances, and ionizing radiation are discussed. Further, adverse effects and prevention strategies of some environmental factors such as alcohol (fetal alcohol syndrome), environmental tobacco smoke and television viewing that can be controlled by the family are emphasized.

Keywords: çevre, erken çocukluk gelişimi, environment, early childhood development