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Pesticides And Attention Deficit Disorder

June 6th, 2010 Comments off

Have you read about the link between pesticides and ADHD? A recent issue of the Journal of Pediatrics published research on how pesticides seem to be linked with Attention Deficit Disorder in children

Could this be any worse? Unfortunately if it is as true as it seems to be, there is no “bailout”. Experts are viewing this research seriously, because the research was well done by reputable scientists and the outcomes suggest serious implications. Most think additional research is necessary for the apparent link to be decisive. Yet everyone knows that children are more vulnerable to health risks presented by pesticides simply because their bodies are still growing. In addition, children are far more likely to ingest a higher amount of pesticides compared to adults relative to their body weight.

If the scientific studies show comparable results with larger population samples this may be a serious health concern. It connects ADHD with eating vegetables or fruits which have been treated with commonly used pesticides.

Do you know what ADD is? Common indications of Attention Deficit Disorder include unfocused attention, excessive activity, reduced impulse control, physical restlessness. These traits result in a variety of learning disabilities.

While one study cannot prove that agricultural pesticides contribute to childhood learning problems, experts said the research is persuasive. In the body, pesticides break up into compounds which are measurable in urine. Detectable levels of pesticides were almost universal. Children with higher levels had increased chances of having ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The source of pesticides was not determined. Children may have ingested or inhaled them. Experts said it is quite realistic that children who don’t live near farms may be exposed through what they eat and drink or inhale.

No one really knows why this is happening. Any number of factors could have caused the Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms as well as the. In addition, the pesticide connection might be by chance. Of course, this means more research needs to be conducted to clarify the situation. What’s important to notice is that the study looked at a random sampling of children. Some physicians say the study is significant in part because it is based on a general sample of children, not those believed to have been exposed to high levels of insecticides. It shows that pesticides are another environmental factor in developmental issues like ADD, in addition to prenatal exposure to alcohol, cocaine and cigarette smoke.

The U.S. EPA knows pesticides pose risks for people and they have limited the amount of residue allowed on foods. But the new study shows that even tiny amounts of pesticides might affect brain chemistry.

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association estimates that eight to nine million U.S. adults have ADD. They believe it’s most likely caused by biological factors and genetics. This study of organophosphates may require them to reconsider these primarily genetic causes. The National Academy of Sciences believes food and water are most likely sources of pesticides to which children are exposed.

If someone you love seems to be distracted, they may have Attention Deficit Disorder. Read a good Attention Deficit Disorder Book to learn more.