Can pesticides cause ADHD?

A new study published in Pediatrics on May 17th concluded that children exposed to organophosphates--a type of pesticide--may have a higher risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Toxic to the nervous system, organophosphates were originally developed for chemical warfare. They are now typically used to kill insects by disrupting their brains and nervous systems. There are about 40 organophosphate pesticides registered in the U.S. including: malathion, methyl parathion, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos, phosmet, tetrachlorvinphos, and azinphos methyl.

Researchers from Harvard, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and University of Montreal examined the link between urinary concentrations of organophosphates and ADHD in 1,139 children 8 to 15 years old. Parents were interviewed to determine if a child was diagnosed with ADHD.

The research team found that the children with high levels of the chemical were almost twice as likely to develop ADHD as those with undetectable levels. The researchers also concluded that more specific studies are needed in the future, such as to determine exposure levels over time, before specific pesticides are banned.

How To Protect Your Child

• Find out which insecticides are being sprayed in your home.
• Wash produce. (See my previous post about produce wash to learn more.)
• By organic produce.
• Stay up-to-date on new research in this area.