I came across an interesting article describing a paper that came out about the brain disorder ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in kids and how it might be related to prenatal smoking and exposure to lead. ADHD has been estimated to affect 4-12% of kids, quite a large percentage of children going to school. Though genetics and environmental issues definitely play a role in contributing to ADHD, this study seemed to confirm an earlier report by the National Academy of Sciences that said that there are a lot of problems that can occur when childrren are exposed to toxic chemicals and other factors. Tellingly, kids whose mothers smoked while pregnant were 2 1/2 times more likely to have ADHD.
Source: CNN / AP
