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Children exposed to tobacco smoke at home are up to three times more likely to have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) as unexposed kids.
This study found that more than an hour of secondhand smoke exposure daily, there will be a even greater chance of having ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two of every five children in the US are exposed to secondhand smoke regularly.
Nearly 2400 parents of children ages 4 to 12 were surveyed. Questionnaires were also designed to evaluate their children’s mental health. The parent’s mental health, family structure and socioeconomic status are considered as well. Children who were exposed to secondhand smoke for less than one hour per day were 50% more likely to have some mental disorder compared to kids not exposed at all. They were also twice as likely to have ADHD as well. Furthermore, those who were habitually exposed to secondhand smoke for an hour or more each day were close to three times more likely to have a mental disorder.
However, the study could not prove that it was due to secondhand smoke exposure that caused mental health problems at the moment.
Nevertheless, secondhand smoke has been to shown to relate many physical illnesses. It is better to keep your child away from secondhand smoke. Any exposure is definitely bad.
Category(s):Adult ADHD
Source material from Scientific American
