Long-term exposure to air pollution associated with ADHD in children
Observational study: A study in which the subject is observed to see if there is a relationship between two or more things (eg: the consumption of diet drinks and obesity). Observational studies cannot prove that one thing causes another, only that they are linked.
People: This is a study based on research using people.
Long-term exposure to air particulate matter is associated with higher rates of positive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) screening in children, according to a study of 164,081 Chinese children. The researchers asked parents to complete a checklist using DSM-IV criteria to screen children for ADHD, and estimated their exposure to PM1 and PM2.5 air pollution based on their address. They say those exposed to more fine particulate matter had higher odds of screening positive for ADHD. This study cannot say why the association exists, but the researchers say more work needs to be done to confirm and understand this link.
Journal/conference: Nature Mental Health
Link to research (DOI): 10.1038/s44220-023-00065-5
Organisation/s: Monash University, The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
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