Thursday, June 10, 2010
Harvard Research Links Pesticides & ADHD
The Harvard-based research published recently in the Journal of Paediatrics demonstrates a link between Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and organophosphate pesticides. Those children with more pesticide exposure measured in their urine were more likely to have ADHD. "These findings support the hypothesis that organophosphate exposure, at levels common among US children, may contribute to ADHD prevalence. Prospective studies are needed to establish whether this association is causal." Organophosphate pesticides act by interfering with the transmission of signals in the nervous system, hence the effects on brain development, cognition & mood. Obviously the importance of eating organic fruits and vegetables cannot be underestimated.