Inhaling cigarette smoke, even involuntarily, is not without risk for the health of the youngest. But beyond the irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, the toxic emanation would also have repercussions on the brain of less than 12 years.
Is there a link between behavioral disorders and passive smoking? ? In any case, that is what a new Canadian research suggests. Scientists across the Atlantic prove that in addition to causing respiratory discomfort and affecting the heart and lung health of young children, inhaling tobacco smoke inadvertently also disrupts the development of their brains. This is the first time such a demonstration has been made. The results, published in the journal Indoor Airthus alerting parents who smoke to the increased risk of antisocial behavior towards others, aggression or even dropping out of school.
Exposure from an early age increases the risks
For this study, researchers at the University of Montreal studied data from a cohort of 1000 children, boys and girls. They followed them from their births to their 12 years. Either an age where their brains develop " exponentially". In detail, scientists asked parents to indicate if someone smoked at home, where they did so and how often. At the age of 12, Canadian children in turn responded to a questionnaire to determine if they were exhibiting antisocial behavior and if their academic performance was affected.
First observation : Less than half of these children are forced to inhale, even involuntarily, tobacco smoke. Thus, 60% of the families assure never having exposed their offspring. But 27% did it intermittently and 13% repeatedly. Based on these findings, and after eliminating possible confounding factors, such as alcohol exposure during pregnancy, the authors reveal a link between passive smoking during childhood and pre-adolescent behavioral disorders. And this risk is proportional: the higher the exposure has been from the youngest age, the greater it is.
Focus on parent awareness
« Young children have very little control over their exposure to home-grown tobacco smoke, which is considered to be toxic to the brain at an age when it is growing exponentially, ”Says the Professor Linda Pagani, the lead author of the study. (...) For the first time, we have evidence to suggest that this also poses risks to the developing brain systems that govern behavioral decisions, social and emotional life, and cognitive function. "
As a result, researchers are calling on health professionals to increase their parents' awareness of the risks. This does not mean to grill a " near where their children live and play“, They advise. In addition, even when the interior is ventilated daily, the risk is not zero. An American study published last March showed that the toxic residues of cigarette smoke remained nestled in floors, upholstery and even in home paints long after the emanation had dissipated. What incentive to ban tobacco, if not definitely, at least inside your home.
source: LCI.fr
