Cumulative effects of various exposures 

The cumulative effect can be assessed by examining how the various short-term exposures and experiences a child encounter throughout their development can add up over time, influencing the degree of significant long-term impacts on their mental health and well-being. In the frame-work of the exposome, the cumulative effect refers to the way in which repeated, combined or sustained exposures—whether social, physical, or internal—interact with one another and with the child's developmental stages. 

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During critical periods of brain development, for instance, the child is particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Exposures to factors such as pollution, social stressors, or inadequate nutrition during these times can have immediate effects on physical or cognitive development. However, the cumulative effect approach emphasizes that these exposures do not occur in iso-lation. Instead, they build up over time, with early exposures potentially making the child more susceptible to others later in life. This accumulation can amplify the overall impact on the child's development, leading to more pronounced effects on their cognitive, emotional, and physical health. 

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Moreover, a potential cumulative effect highlights the importance of considering equity in the exposome framework. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may face a higher burden of harmful exposures, such as poor living conditions or limited access to healthcare, which can accumulate and exacerbate vulnerabilities. By recognizing the cumulative nature of these ex-posures, interventions can be better designed to address and mitigate these compounded risks, promoting more equitable outcomes for all children. 

In Equal-Life, some analysis considered cumulative effects of various exposures.