Pesticides linked to IQ levels, environmental health researchers say

Environmental health researchers have suggested expectant mothers can affect the IQ of their unborn child by exposing them to pesticides while in the womb.

Studies by universities in New York and California have found that women who come into contact with substances used to protect food crops could see their babies born with less intelligence.

The researchers found that when the levels of pesticides increased by ten times, the child would see their IQ fall by 5.5 points by the age of seven.

As part of the study, youngsters who were deemed to have been in close proximity to the maximum amount of the deterrent had an IQ score that was seven lower than those with minimum exposure.

Professor of maternal and child health at the University of California said the results were significant.

"That difference could mean, on average, more kids being shifted into the lower end of the spectrum of learning and more kids needing special services in school," she remarked.

Recently, the Daily Mail reported the use of pesticides could be behind the declining number of bees seen in the UK.

Posted by Joseph Hutton