Saturday, February 16, 2008

Air Pollution Affects Kids' IQ

A recent study showed that air pollution can lower kids' IQ. In fact, the effect is similar like children whose mothers smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day during pregnancy and children who was exposed to lead.

The study investigated 202 Boston children age 8 to 11 years old and it found that children who got more exposure to black carbon have lower score on intelligence tests. Black carbon is a common component emitted from automobile and truck with diesel engines in particular. The study mentioned that this black carbon may responsible for an average 3.4 points drop in IQ. In addition, it affects vocabulary skill, memory, and learning ability as well.

This is another thing that we need to consider for our future generations. We want the best option for our children and we can start by giving them a healthy place to live.

Further information is available from Breathing dirty air may lower kids' IQ.

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