Time magazine indicates that a medical journal called Pediatrics may have found an interesting link between pesticide exposure and ADHD in children. As many as 4.5 million kids from age 5 to 17 are labeled as having ADHD, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 1997, that number has increased at a steady annual rate. Chemicals used on the food we eat like pesticides are often felt to be key contributors to this trend. The commonly attributed causes of ADHD – video games, texting and fast-paced commercials for products like installment loan – are believed to be much less significant than the pesticide element, scientists are beginning to believe.
Pesticides and ADHD – The organophosphates will get you
Toxic pesticides with an ADHD link are identified as organophosphates within the joint University of Montreal/Harvard University study. Of the 1,100-child sample (ages 8 to 15) used in the study, dialkyl phosphates were found in highest concentration within the waste products of those with ADHD. That substance is what the body produces when organophosphate pesticides are processed. With every tenfold increase in residue detected, the scientists found a 35 percent increase within the odds of pesticide exposure causing ADHD. However, even low levels of exposure seemed to increase the odds of pesticide-induced ADHD.
It is an association, not quite a cause yet
If anything, this University of Montreal/Harvard University study opens the door for further inquiry, even if it doesn’t conclusively prove that organophosphate pesticides cause ADHD. However, it is known that organophosphate pesticides can cause damage to the nerve connections in the brain, as that is the mechanism through which the pesticide actually kills its intended target. It does this by blocking the necessary transfer of acetylcholinesterase, which is a chemical in question for ADHD kids as outlined by current research. This disruption may cause hyperactive behavior and other cognitive disruptions.
Buy organic and don’t use home bug sprays
The Montreal/Harvard study didn’t focus on the specific method through which kids were exposed to the pesticide, but one of the most obvious connection is through diet – fruits and vegetables sprayed when growing, indicates the National Academy of Sciences. Further research will hopefully lead to a greater understand of what’s too much when it comes to such pesticides. Figuring out just how much is harmful should be a top priority. Purchasing organic can minimize exposure for the moment, as can using pest control methods that don’t require toxic substances.
For a lot more information on minimizing chemical exposure in one’s diet, look into the Raw Foods SOS blog. Stay away from the myths and go for what’s real and practicable on an everyday basis. When you are at it, learn about how mercury seems much of the food we eat if you’re looking for a good scare.
Citations
Time magazine
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20time/topstories%20(TIME:%20Top%20Stories)&utm_content=Google%20Reader
Raw Foods SOS
http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/04/30/the-lowdown-on-organic-foo/
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