Air pollution affects the psychological state of children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists have found that contact of a pregnant woman with products of combustion contained in urban air, violates the behavior of the unborn child, according to the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives".
Scientists under the direction of Professor Frederica P. Perera from Columbia University in New York (Columbia University, New York City) conducted a study involving 253 children. Work continued for 7 years. First, under the supervision of doctors were pregnant women, and then their children under 6 years of age. All mums did not smoke. Scientists wondered whether women contacted during their pregnancy with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These are products of burning fuel and other sources. They are found in large quantities in the urban air, polluting it.
Scientists checked the content of hydrocarbons in the air in the homes of participants. They also measured the amount of DNA adducts in the blood of women and cord blood. This is the name of a DNA compound with another molecule. There are adducts specific for contact with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
In addition, with the help of special tests, doctors checked the psychological state of children, the presence of anxiety, depression, problems with concentration.
Analyzing the results of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that air pollution affects the psychological state of children. The high concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban air breathed by a pregnant woman leads to problems with the behavior of the child. These children showed symptoms of depression, anxiety, attention impairment. Which, of course, affects the mental development and ability to learn the younger generation.
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