Exposure to smoke in the womb linked with ADHD

To date, we have read allot about how many experts believe that the consumption of tobacco through smoking can cause lung disease, heart disease, cancer and larynx of the mouth. The World Health organisation (WHO) has estimated that smoking kills 5.4 million people every year, and 100 million this century.

The centers for Disease Control and Prevention argue that tobacco is not only one of the largest but also one of the most preventable risks to human life in the Western World.

In addition to this, research shows that smokers risk a far higher chance of suffering miscarriage. Pregnant smokers also compromise the health of unborn children. Premature births are more common in smokers.

Now on top of this, fresh studies have been able to reveal a link between exposure to smoke and a higher risk of unborn children suffering with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study was headed by Dr. Tanya E Froehlich, of the pediatrics department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

She published her stats after studying the U.S government data on parental tobacco and childhood lead exposure. The rate of children with ADHD in the entire study was only 8%. However, of the children who were born to smokers, 17% displayed behavior, commonly associated with the condition. More worryingly, mothers who were known to have smoked marijuana during pregnancy, were 17% more likely to give birth to children who would go on to suffer with ADHD.

For advice on how to quit smoking, you are strongly advised to seek the advice of a trained doctor. Champix is a popular product that has been medically proven to help with smoke cessation.