Discuss how the environment affects learning. Learning is the process of acquiring facts, skills and methods that can be stored and reproduced when necessary. It is about interpreting and understanding reality in a different way, learning involves understanding the world by reinterpreting knowledge (Ramsden, 1992). The learning process begins from birth, a young child experiences significant brain development which is imperative for visual health, limb coordination, posture and overall physical and mental well-being. From the moment we write the word to the moment we scientifically cease to exist, human beings are constantly learning to cope, coexist, and be productive with the state of their environment. The physical and social conditions of the environment have a significant impact on the lives of its inhabitants. The physical environment can, however, impact a person's learning abilities from the fourth week of pregnancy, as this is when the human brain begins to develop. At this stage, the fetus does not have a functional blood barrier to protect itself against neurotoxic attacks. An article published in the United States Library of Medicine shows that environmental and chemical exposure factors can cause neurotoxic damage to delicate brain growth processes in an unborn child during pregnancy, demonstrating the potential to cause learning disabilities. The risks of mercury and lead poisoning. is very present in the environment, and research over the past three decades has proven the presence of heavy metals in our environment through paint, industrial and automobile exhaust, pipes and even children's toys. Many items recommended for children contain sources of toxic materials such as mercury, which... middle of paper ...... shapes us, like our genetic makeup, it is what defines us and, in to a large extent, our abilities. We should take the initiative to create and maintain a positive and clean environment that will produce highly competent individuals, capable of productively playing their role in the advancement of the human race. Work Cited Garbino, J. (1999) Raising Children in a Socially Toxic Environment, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass inc. Ramsden, P. (1992) Learning to teach in higher education. London: Routedge.Jay,P. (2009). Special education needs help. The National Review. Retrieved April 21, 2011 from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112841783U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. New York City Department of Planning.NY. Retrieved April 21, 2011 from http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/census/popcur.shtml.