New publications
Air pollution affects children's psychological well-being
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists have found that pregnant women's exposure to combustion products in urban air disrupts the behavior of their unborn children, according to a report in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Scientists led by Professor Frederica P. Perera from Columbia University, New York City conducted a study involving 253 children. The work lasted for 7 years. First, pregnant women were observed by doctors, and then their children up to the age of 6. All mothers did not smoke. Scientists were interested in whether the women had contact with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during pregnancy. These are products of combustion of fuel and other sources. They are found in large quantities in urban air, polluting it.
The scientists checked the hydrocarbon content in the air in the participants' homes. They also measured the amount of DNA adducts in the women's blood and umbilical cord blood. This is the name given to the combination of DNA with another molecule. There are adducts that are specific for contact with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
In addition, using special tests, doctors checked the psychological state of the children, the presence of anxiety, depression, and problems with concentration.
Having analyzed the results of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that air pollution affects the psychological state of children. A high concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the city air that a pregnant woman breathes leads to behavioral problems in the child. These children showed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder. Which, of course, also affects the mental development and learning ability of the younger generation.
[