ADHD Linked to Tobacco, Lead Exposure

A new study suggests that children exposed to tobacco prior to birth are 2.4 times more likely to have attention deficit disorder.

"Toxicant exposure" -- before and after birth -- may significantly increase a child's chances of having attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), according to a new study published in the December issue of Pediatrics.

The study, which examined data on 2,588 youngsters from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004, shows that children prenatally exposed to tobacco (through the mother's cigarette smoking, for example) are 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Likewise, children exposed to lead - and with elevated lead levels in their blood - are 2.3 times more likely to have ADHD.

To read more about this study, see Web MD