A recent study done by Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women who are exposed to hydrocarbons and air pollution have an increased risk of having a child with ADHD. Lead author Frederica Perera, PhD stated that exposure to hydrocarbons encountered in New York City air may play a role in childhood ADHD. Though there is no known real cause of ADHD, genes and environmental factors plays a major role.
The researchers followed a total of 233 nonsmoking pregnant women and their children in New York City from pregnancy into childhood. It was found out that children born to mothers exposed to high levels of hydrocarbons during pregnancy had five times the chances of ADHD symptoms, specifically symptoms of inattentive-type ADHD. Hydrocarbon exposure increases the likelihood of ADHD as it disrupts the endocrine system, causes DNA damage, brings oxidative stress, and interferes with placental growth factors while a child is still in a mother’s womb.
They noted behavioral and cognitive issues such as developmental delay at age 3, reduced IQ at age 5, and symptoms of anxiety/depression and attention problems at ages 6 and 7. Attention problems are known to impact school performance, social relationships, and occupational performance.
Getting an early diagnosis of ADHD can be the best foundation for real change.
Here at Sachs Center, our treatment is “big picture” and focused on you as a whole person. We offer therapy, ADD Coaching, groups, neurofeedback, nutritional, organizational coaching and medication to improve your overall functioning.
Air Pollution Childhood ADHD