Insecticide Ingredient May Affect Cognitive Development
Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a common ingredient in the insecticide permethrin, may be linked to impaired cognitive development in children, researchers report.
Permethrin is primarily used to treat lice and permethrin-containing products are highly effective as insecticides and repellents, according to the EPA. Insect repellants that contain permethrin (like Permanone®) may be applied to clothing, shoes, and camping equipment to help reduce the risk of insect bites. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods (like spiders). Permethrin treated clothing is still effective after repeated washings.
The researchers analyzed data from African American and Dominican pregnant women who were living in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. During pregnancy, the women used a personal ambient air monitor to record permethrin and PBO levels. After delivery, permethrin levels were measured in maternal umbilical cord plasma.
The researchers found that prenatal exposure to PBO was negatively linked to impaired neurodevelopment in 36-month-old infants.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
For more information about insecticides, please visit Natural Standard's Environment & Global Health database.
References
1.Horton MK, Rundle A, Camann DE, et al. Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Piperonyl Butoxide and Permethrin on 36-Month Neurodevelopment. Pediatrics. 2011 Feb 14. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
http://www.depsyl.com/
http://back2basicnutrition.com/
http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/
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