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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children chronically exposed to high level of vehicular pollution

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore whether sustained exposure to vehicular air pollution affects the behavior and activities of children. The prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was assessed in two childhood populations. In a cross-sectional study 969 school-going children (9–17 years) and 850 age- and sex-matched children from rural areas were assessed, following the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of conduct disorders (DSM-IV) of American Pediatric Association. Data of ambient particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10) were obtained from Central Pollution Control Board and aerosol monitor. ADHD was found in 11.0% of urban children in contrast to 2.7% of the control group (p < 0.001). Major risk factors were male gender, lower socioeconomic status, 12–14 year age group, and PM10 level in breathing air. ADHD was more prevalent among boys both in urban and rural areas. It was prevalent among 18.0% of the boys enrolled in Delhi against 4.0% of the girls, giving a male/female ratio of 4.5:1. Inattentive type of ADHD was predominant followed by hyperactive–impulsive type and combined type of ADHD. Controlling potential confounder, ambient PM10 level was positively correlated with ADHD (OR = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.08–3.99). Conclusion: The results of this study point to a possible association between air pollution and behavioral problems in children. Though gender, socioeconomic status, and age play a very important factor in ADHD prevalence, the association is highest and strongest between particulate pollution and prevalence of ADHD.

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Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi for providing the fund to carry out the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Canada, Environmental Health Center (EHC, HECS), Room # B-36, 50, Columbine Driveway, Tunneys Pasture, AL: 0800C, Ottawa, K1A 0K9, ON, Canada

    Shabana Siddique

  2. Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT), Guwahati, India

    Madhuchanda Banerjee

  3. Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India

    Manas Ranjan Ray

  4. Nature, Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), Kolkata, India

    Twisha Lahiri

Authors
  1. Shabana Siddique
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  2. Madhuchanda Banerjee
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  3. Manas Ranjan Ray
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  4. Twisha Lahiri
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Correspondence to Shabana Siddique.

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Siddique, S., Banerjee, M., Ray, M.R. et al. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children chronically exposed to high level of vehicular pollution. Eur J Pediatr 170, 923–929 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-010-1379-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-010-1379-0

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