Are you pregnant?
Stay away from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH).
A recent study found that prenatal exposure to PAH may lead to children who suffer from behavioral problems.
Wait, polycyclic aro – what?
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. PAH can be found in other places but what’s noteworthy is the kind that comes from incomplete combustion of carbon: wood, incense, diesel, tobacco and fat.
It’s what pregnant moms should avoid.
In relation to this research, vehicle emissions were the “dominant source” of PAH moms were exposed to says EurekAlert.org.
The study
Researchers worked with 253 expectant non-smoker moms during their pregnancy and a few years after the kids were born.
They measured PAH levels through 2 methods: personal air samples and biological markers. For the latter, the study found that moms who inhaled PAH passed it on to their unborn children through the placenta, thus allowing it to bind with the baby’s DNA.
What kind of behavioral problems do the kids in the study have?
The mothers were asked to assess their children’s behavior years after birth, at the school-age stage.
The study found that moms who had high prenatal exposure to PAH had children who suffered from anxiety, depression and attention problems.
Other health threats of PAH
Wikipedia says that prenatal PAH exposure is linked to the following in children: lower IQ, low birth-weight, heart malformations, childhood asthma, premature birth and developmental delays by age 3.
Air pollution isn’t easy to get away from especially for city folk. However, there are certain things you can do to keep PAH exposure at a minimum.
Consider using air filters at home, don’t char meats when grilling and use cleaner burning candles. If you want more solutions, read: Rodale – AirPollution’s Unhappy Side Effect.
Do you know anyone pregnant? Please share this with them. Oh and I’d love to hear your thoughts so do leave a comment below.
About Anne Mercado
Wow…had no idea.
Twitter: kimwhix
Everything really affects everyone – guess I’ve read one too many studies already
Thanks for dropping by!
There are so many chemicals in the air these days. It’s crazy how people are trying to exploit health just for profits.
Monday Music Movies Me – End March Edition
Twitter: dominiquegoh
Absolutely! There are tons of harmful stuff in the air and time and again, they’ve been proven to affect health. Hopefully we clean up the air a bit. I honestly don’t think we’ll ever be 100% free from pollution.
Argh. I get so tired of researchers researching every little thing and then making a big fuss about their results. Especially when they scare me…
The beautiful art of doing nothing
Twitter: momfever
I know what you mean, it can be frightening but unfortunately it’s true. Was about to tell you something else about the study but uhh, I don’t want to make you more nervous.
This is very interesting! When I was pregnant with my first we had some terrible forest fires in our region and the valley was filled with smoke for several weeks. It was awful and I was very worried about how it would affect the baby. I don’t know if it is related, but he does have allergies (pollens, dusts and animals). Sure makes you think! Thanks for sharing.
My Buttons Are Fixed!
You are most welcome. That’s an interesting thought- effects of forest fire smoke on children. Of course, am sorry to hear that was going during your pregnancy and am glad you guys were safe.
I can’t do too much for the outside air, but in our new home we’re planning on adding a air filter to the furnace. Hopefully this will help the inside-of-my-house air!
Motel Mondays With The Family
Twitter: BeckyJane_
You’re right there. We can’t do much about the outdoor air (at least for next few years or so) but we can try to change the quality of our indoor air. Thanks for your comment, Becky!
I believe we should do everything we can (without going insane) to keep harmful stuff out of our bodies…simply because we don’t know how we’re genetically wired. All it takes is some cell mutations for a person to develop cancer. We don’t know what we are genetically predisposed to, so why chance it by doing things we know are bad. The charred part of food from grilling is carcinogenic…so don’t eat it. Smoking…no brainer. Most people’s indoor air quality is worse than their outdoor air quality. It’s definitely something to think about and place importance on.
7 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Wow Tracy, never thought of it that way. You’re right that we don’t know how our bodies will react to certain things exactly so we should stay away from known harmful stuff. Great comment!
Great article. I’ve been using battery operated candles… They are safer and no smoke! We also use an air filter in my twins’ room.
Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun
If only ALL places were this Magical!
Twitter: Twinfun1n1
We have battery operated candles as well. They are a lovely addition to any room, not to mention extremely safe. Thanks for your comment, Leigh.