New study links attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD) to pesticide
Dear Mr. Morton- Last year you wrote about a connection between air pollution and childhood asthma. Could you please print it again.- Mother
Dear Mother- That study linked air pollution exposure before birth with lower IQ’s in childhood, although there is already a direct link between air pollution levels and childhood asthma. Researchers studied 249 NYC children and administered IQ tests before they started school, at age 5. However, the mothers of these preschoolers had worn backpack air monitors during the last several months of pregnancy, when the 249 children were still inside them! The results showed that the children exposed to the most air pollution scored five points below the children with less exposure. We all accept the fact that lead exposure harms young children’s developing brains. Apparently, it’s the same with air pollution.
Dear Mr. Morton- Last year you wrote about a connection between air pollution and childhood asthma. Could you please print it again.- Mother
Dear Mother- That study linked air pollution exposure before birth with lower IQ’s in childhood, although there is already a direct link between air pollution levels and childhood asthma. Researchers studied 249 NYC children and administered IQ tests before they started school, at age 5. However, the mothers of these preschoolers had worn backpack air monitors during the last several months of pregnancy, when the 249 children were still inside them! The results showed that the children exposed to the most air pollution scored five points below the children with less exposure. We all accept the fact that lead exposure harms young children’s developing brains. Apparently, it’s the same with air pollution.
Unfortunately, new research ties the well-used prganophosphate pesticides with ADHD in children. Researchers analyzed children’s urine and found those with high levels were twice as likely to develop ADHD than those with undetectable levels. However, the study concludes that even low concentrations of the pesticide may increase chances of a child developing ADHD symptoms.
Researchers randomly selected 1,139 children, ages 8 to 15, and found 1 in 10 met the ADHD diagnostic criteria. However, the chances of having ADHD rose dramatically with the level of pesticide products. For example, the most common dimethyl triophosphate doubled the odds of ADHD in children. In sum, the odds of ADHD almost doubled in children with above-average levels compared to those with only detectable levels. Previous studies (2007) linked organophosphate pesticides to delays in learning rates, poorer physical coordination and behavioral problems in children.
Researchers randomly selected 1,139 children, ages 8 to 15, and found 1 in 10 met the ADHD diagnostic criteria. However, the chances of having ADHD rose dramatically with the level of pesticide products. For example, the most common dimethyl triophosphate doubled the odds of ADHD in children. In sum, the odds of ADHD almost doubled in children with above-average levels compared to those with only detectable levels. Previous studies (2007) linked organophosphate pesticides to delays in learning rates, poorer physical coordination and behavioral problems in children.
It is of utmost importance for parents to read the labels on their yard pesticide sprays and to be very aware of insecticides used around the house. Also, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Lastly, visit the Family Journal site and read in-depth studies on how to protect your children from environmental toxins.
Lastly, view the video (Below), which depicts the latest toxins that are affecting our children. Then, scroll down the right margin to "L. Protecting children from toxins- newspaper headlines" for latest newspaper and journal findings. Then, scroll down the right margin a little further to "L. Protecting children from toxins- videos" to view informative videos on this growing problem
Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S.
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