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Air pollution is most often seen as a contributor to children’s asthma and other respiratory problems. Emerging research, however, suggests that air pollution is linked to neurodevelopment concerns as well. Studies recently published in Pediatrics and Environmental Health Perspectives, in fact, found lower I.Q. levels in the children of mothers who were exposed during pregnancy to an array of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organophosphate pesticides. Given school is back in session, how a child performs on I.Q. tests and other exams is a heightened concern for parents and school administrators. This research suggests that some kids may have a more challenging time reaching their full potential because of these early life exposures to air pollutantants. On this call, leading researchers discussed their recent findings as well as the potential implications for children’s neurodevelopment.

Featured speakers included:

Frederica Perera, DrPH, Director, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health and professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Heather Volk, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Research, Departments of Preventative Medicine and Pediatrics, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California

The call was moderated by Elise Miller MEd, Director, CHE.