Exposure to Exhaust in Womb May Lower IQ

It is well known that lead exposure can lower I.Q. in children. We now know that prenatal exposure to a common pollutant compound can also be detrimental to intellectual development. 

In a study this year, fetal  exposure to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), common in automobile exhaust and coal-burning fuel, were shown to result in lower I.Q. for kids by age five.

Dr. Michal Jerrett of the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley said: "Children exposed to prenatal or in-utero air pollution from traffic oftentimes have lower birth weights, somewhat smaller head circumferences, and a number of adverse outcomes." 

The research was reported Pediatrics. It signals a dire need for improved air emission standards. ACN suggests that personal efforts to ensure clean air in the home with filtration systems may be beneficial, and special air filters for cars are also available. Sadly, many living in cities use public transportation or cannot afford the cost of air filters.

For more on PAH  see Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Comments

[Pain Relief]

it is important that a child will grow in a positive community. To join activities, counseling and other sports can help him to grow his IQ.