A new study published in the recent issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that exposure to organophosphate pesticides during pregnancy increases risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) in their children.
The researchers found that prenatal levels of metabolites of these pesticides were significantly associated with attention problems in children at the age of five years, with the effects apparently stronger among boys.
Organophosphate pesticides disrupt neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine, which plays an critical role in sustaining attention and short-term memory.
"Given that these compounds are designed to attack the nervous system of organisms, there is reason to be cautious, especially in situations where exposure may coincide with critical periods of fetal and child development," said study lead author Amy Marks, who was an analyst at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health at the time of the study.
That pesticide exposure can lead to adverse effects on health is no longer surprising. The authors of the study suggest thorough washing of fruits and veggies prior to consumption, but it's probably not a bad idea to go for organic produce, at least during pregnancy and during your child's early years, when they are not yet fully able to breakdown or fight certain toxins.
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