Dong Guanghui, a professor at the School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, and Yu Yunjiang, a researcher at the South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and others have revealed the particle size effect of air pollution on the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, which is expected to provide Provide a scientific basis for the formulation of atmospheric particulate matter control management policies and child health policies. The research was recently published in Nature Mental Health.

Based on a national large-scale children's survey of environmental factor exposure-child health effect risk assessment, the study revealed that atmospheric particulate matter PM1 (particle size <1 micron) and PM2. There are different intensities of associations with the risk of disease, and there are regional differences in the strength of associations.

Childhood ADHD and atmospheric particulate matter pollution are two major global public health problems and are important factors leading to the global burden of disease. In recent years, the relationship between the two has gradually attracted the attention of scholars at home and abroad. Clarifying the health risks of atmospheric subnanoparticle PM1 and formulating corresponding prevention and control strategies have become important global issues.

The study is a national large-scale children's survey of environmental factor exposure-risk assessment of children's health effects. The study found that the long-term exposure levels of atmospheric particulate matter PM1 and PM2.5 were significantly positively correlated with the risk of ADHD in children, and there were regional differences and particle size effects in this association. The correlation is highest in the Pearl River Delta region, and the effect of subnanoparticle PM1 is stronger than that of fine particle PM2.5.

The study is based on large national sample data, and the findings have important public health implications. The study suggests that reducing the level of atmospheric particulate matter may benefit children's neurodevelopment, and targeted prevention and control measures should be taken in different regions according to the source, attached components, and particle size ratio of local atmospheric particulate matter.

Related paper information:

https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00065-5

(Original title "Air Pollution Linked to Risk of ADHD in Children")