High Levels of Pesticides May Be Linked With ADHD

By Jody Smith HERWriter

Rate This

High levels of pesticides that are in common use for fruits and vegetables may increase the ranks of children with ADHD. In a study, the urine of over 1,000 children ages eight to fifteen years, was analyzed. In 94 percent of cases, there were detectable levels of pesticides in their urine.

Six pesticide compounds were analyzed in the study. Almost a quarter of the children with ADHD were found to have the most commonly detected compound of the pesticides in their urine.

Virginia Rauh of Columbia University did not participate in this study, but she has done other research involving pesticides. "Because of known dangers of pesticides in humans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits how much residue can stay on food. But the new study shows it's possible even tiny, allowable amounts of pesticide may affect brain chemistry, Rauh said."

A study from 2008 indicated that children who ate organic fruits and vegetables had negligible levels of pesticides in their urine.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-17-pesticides-adhd_N.htm?csp=34&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UsatodaycomHealth-TopStories+%28News+-+Health+-+Top+Stories%29

Effects of Sugar Consumption on ADHD Symptoms

12 Things You Should Never Say to Someone with Bipolar Disorder

12 Common Myths Surrounding Depression

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About ADHD?

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Champion

Jody Smith HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.