Pollutants may lead to behavioral problems for children of pregnant mothers

By Staff Writer

It is common knowledge that cutting down on pollution can help preserve the environment. However, a new study reveals that reducing harmful chemicals in the air may also lead to more obedient children.

The report, which appears in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, indicates that pregnant women who are exposed to pollutants may give birth to children who will develop behavioral problems. The findings were based on a study of 215 children who were tracked from birth until age 7.

Experts tested the cord blood of children in order to detect their levels of a pollution exposure marker. They concluded that many pregnant mothers who inhaled incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and other organic materials transferred these chemicals into their fetus' DNA.

At ages 5 and 7, children who had high levels of the pollution exposure marker were significantly more likely to have attention problems as well as depression and anxiety symptoms than kids whose levels were low.

Adolescents who have developmental disabilities may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which offer activities that provide help to troubled teens.