Article of Interest: Secondhand Smoke Exposure Increases Risk for ADHD Symptoms

Our team at the Hoffman Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external article:

Secondhand smoke exposure increases risk for ADHD symptoms among school-aged children” from Healio:

Secondhand smoke exposure between the prenatal period and childhood increased risk for having ADHD symptoms and subtypes among school-aged children, according to results of a cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers noted somewhat stronger associations for secondhand smoke exposure during prenatal and early postnatal periods.

View the full study details from Healio.

“In an earlier study, we documented that chemically intolerant mothers on the QEESI had almost triple the risk of having a child with ADHD and, separately, autism,” said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the Hoffman TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.

How chemically sensitive are you?

Answer these three questions from the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI):

  1. Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
  2. Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
  3. Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?

If you answer YES to any of these three questions, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!

Also check out the new action pack from the Salud America! program at UT Health San Antonio to help your city explore a smoke-free multifamily housing policy for common areas and individual units.

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