Prenatal exposure to air pollution linked to emotional problems in children

The way that children regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours could be affected by exposure to common air pollutants during pregnancy, according to a new study. 

The study, which was led by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health within Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute, examined the effects of early life exposure to a common air pollutant known as PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) on self-regulating behaviours and social competency.  

Children who have poor self-regulation skills find it difficult to manage disruptive thoughts, emotions, and impulses, while poor social competency limits their ability to get along with others. 

It's been discovered that prenatal exposure to PAH can be associated with ADHD, symptoms of anxiety, depression and inattention and behavioural disorders.

Lead investigator Amy Margolis, assistant professor of medical psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, said: "This study indicates that prenatal exposure to air pollution impacts development of self-regulation and as such may underlie the development of many childhood psychopathologies that derive from deficits in self-regulation, such as ADHD, OCD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders."