Combined effects of prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and material hardship on child ADHD behavior problems.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic and neurotoxic combustion by-products commonly found in urban air. Exposure to PAH is disproportionately high in low income communities of color who also experience chronic economic stress.

Objective

In a prospective cohort study in New York City (NYC) we previously found a significant association between prenatal PAH exposure and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behavior problems at age 9. Here, we have evaluated the joint effects of prenatal exposure to PAH and prenatal/childhood material hardship on ADHD behavior problems.

Materials and methods

We enrolled nonsmoking African-American and Dominican pregnant women in New York City between 1998 and 2006 and followed their children throug

SUBMITTER: Perera FP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5724364 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature