Smog damages children's brains

Smog damages children's brains

Smog is bad not only for the respiratory system but also for the brains of children. The disturbing discovery comes from a study conducted by the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, ​​which analyzed the relationship between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, basal ganglia volumes and the presence of symptoms of Attention Deficit Syndrome and hyperactivity (ADHD)



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Lo smog it hurts not only the respiratory system but also the brain some children. The disturbing discovery comes from one study conducted by the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, ​​which analyzed the relationship between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, basal ganglia volumes and the presence of symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD).



According to Spanish scientists, thechronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in preteens is associated with changes in the striatum or caudate nucleus of the brain, even when concentrations of PAH are below the maximum levels established by the European Union.

- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of atmospheric pollutants that are supplied during the incomplete combustion of organic material. They are the product of the combustion of fossil fuels and biomasses but are also found in cigarette smoke and meat-based foods.

In cities like Barcelona, ​​where the study was conducted, the predominant source of PAHs is traffic vehicular. Other studies had observed a "particularly concerning" association between PAH and ADHD in children exposed during the prenatal period.

The new research, which is part of the project BREATHE, measured air pollution levels in 39 schools in Barcelona and acquired brain images via magnetic resonance imaging of 242 children (boys and girls) between the ages of 8 and 12. The children were also evaluated for the presence of ADHD symptoms.

The purpose of the study was to study the effects of PAH exposure at school on basal ganglia volume of the little ones. The basal ganglia are the nuclei of the brain responsible for a number of different functions. These include the ability to learn, di control their emotions and to control the motor functions of the body. L'ADHD it is the most common disorder associated with a malfunction of the ganglia.

"Our results show that increased exposure to PAH, particularly benzo [a] pyrene, is associated with a decrease in the size of the caudate nucleus, one of the components of the basal ganglia," explains Marion Mortamais, ISGlobal researcher and lead author of the study that an increase of approximately 70 pg / m3 in internal and external levels of benzo [a] pyrene was associated with a reduction of nearly 2% in the volume of the caudate nucleus. "However, this reduction in the size of the caudate nucleus appears to be subclinical because it has not been significantly associated with ADHD symptoms."



According to Mortamais the consequences that these changes in the structure of the brain may have on children's behavior were not identified directly in this study but, given the fundamental role played by the caudate nucleus in many crucial cognitive processes and behaviors, any reduction in the volume of this structure causes preemployment in the context of childhood brain development.



For more news on the effects of smog on children, read also:

  • SMOG: 7 CONSEQUENCES OF POLLUTION ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH
  • ASTHMA AND CHILDREN: THE FAULT IS SMOG
  • AUTISM: THE RISK INCREASES WITH SMOG AND POLLUTION

For Jordi Sunyer, head of the ISGlobal Child Health program, the research results reaffirm the urgent need to reduce air pollution andi review annual maximum levels of PHA established by European legislation.

Francesca Mancuso

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