Experts warn that exposure to common household pesticides like pyrethroid predisposes boys to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In fact, they discovered that it actually triple the risk in boys developing ADHD specifically hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Health experts from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found out that the link was stronger in boys than in girls. According to the study author, Tanya Froehlichsaid, "Given the growing use of pyrethroid pesticides and the perception that they may represent a safe alternative, our findings may be of considerable public health importance."
Past studies have found out that male mice develop a vulnerability to the effects of pyrethroid exposure that may lead to hyperactivity, impulsivity and abnormalities in the dopamine system, reports the Cincinnati site. This study has given a more specific link between ADHD and pyrethroid pesticides. It was published in the journal Environmental Health.
In 2000, United States health officials have banned the use of organophosphate pesticides. Thus, the use of a less toxic compound pyrethoids has increased through the years. Now, it is the most commonly used pesticides for residential pest control and public health purposes in the U.S., reports Mail Online.
To land to their findings, the researchers collated and analyzed data from around 700 children from ages 8 to 15 years old. They looked into the 3-PBA levels in the urine of the children which could indicate the exposure to pyrethoids.
Subsequently, the boys have a more detectable level of 3-PBS than girls. They were three times more likely to ascquire ADHD, reports WebMD. On the other hand, the 3-PBA levels in girls were not linked with increased risk of ADHD or symptoms of the condition.
"Our study assessed pyrethroid exposure using 3-PBA concentrations in a single urine sample," Froehlich explained.
However, since the chemical do not stay in the body long enough, she suggested that for future researchers to experiment on various types of measurements over time.