All parents love to have intelligent kids. There would be less worry about bad grades in school and of getting a good education. Therefore, it is not uncommon to do an IQ test on them to see how intelligent they are.
Lower IQ linked to prenatal pollution
Do you know that air pollution can lower a child’s IQ? A research done in New York City concludes that pregnant women exposed to urban air pollution in the last few months of pregnancy, had children with lower IQ scores. The women were from low income areas like South Bronx and were exposed to certain levels of air pollution. Examples of urban air pollution are exhaust smoke from cars, buses and trucks.
The kids were given an IQ test at age 5, just before starting school and those exposed to the highest pollution had an average of 4 – 5 points lower compared to kids with less exposure. This difference is big enough to have an effect on the children’s performance in school.
In another research, the results showed a possible link between prenatal exposure to air pollution and genetic abnormalities. Examples are smaller head size for newborns, reduced birth weight and the increased risks for cancer. The research focused on the types of pollutants that can cross the placenta, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants may come from exhaust smokes of vehicles as well as factory emissions.
More research is underway to confirm the above findings. In addition, the research will continue to monitor the kids’ school performance and other long term effect. Most women will find it hard to avoid urban air pollution as it is a part of everyday life. I know that I am exposed to it daily especially during travelling to and from work. What we can do is to minimize the exposure by not opening the car windows while driving and by staying indoors.
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