It’s long been known that certain chemicals found in everyday products can be harmful to humans so new research confirming the link between pesticides and ill-health will not come as a shock to many.
However, the alarming factor here is that the ill effects can be caused by exposure as early as foetal development, prompting hyper activity attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in childhood.
The study found that children whose mothers were exposed to crop sprays while they were pregnant with them were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD by the age of five.
“We were especially interested in prenatal exposure because that’s the period when a baby’s nervous system is developing most,” said Brenda Eskenazi, professor of maternal and child health at the University of California.
It is believed that the powerful chemicals in pesticides used to keep crops free from insect pests can damage the development of the central nervous system and brain by affecting attention and short-term memory.
Amy Marks, lead researcher on the study said, “Given that these compounds are designed to attack the nervous system or organisms, there is reason to be cautious, especially in situations where exposure may coincide with critical periods of foetal and child development.”
Although the study tested women and children who lived in an agricultural community in the United States, the findings point to a significant impact on the general population.
“It’s known that food is a significant source of pesticide exposure among the general population,” she said.
“I would recommend thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, especially if you’re pregnant.”
The psychiatric disorder affects 3 to 5 percent of children globally and can continue into adulthood with 30 to 50 percent of those diagnosed as children suffering symptoms in later life.
“High levels of symptoms of ADHD by age five are a major contributor to learning and achievement problems in school, accidental injuries at home and in the neighbourhood, and a host of problems in peer relationships and other essential competencies,” Professor Stephen Henshaw, a leading expert on ADHD in America told the Daily Mail.
For more information about ADHD in Australia.
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