A reduction in air pollution could improve child IQ
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014 10:28 AM

A study recently published in the Journal of Public Health Policy suggested that if New York City reduced its air pollution, children born there would have a higher IQ than they would if born in an environment with the current pollution levels. The study, written by Dr. Frederica Perera with colleagues from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, was inspired by another study Dr. Perera had conducted. In her first study, Dr. Perera researched the effects of smoking during pregnancy. She found that fetus' brains are especially susceptible to environmental toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH is found in cigarettes and is a common chemical air pollutant. It is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels.

IQ and PAH
The initial cigarette study focused on women in low-income populations who smoked during pregnancy. Researchers discovered a potential link between a lower IQ and PAH exposure in the womb. In fact, according to Headlines and Global News, children born to women exposed to high PAH levels had an IQ three points lower than kids born to women with less exposure. These findings inspired Dr. Perera to research a hypothetical decrease in air pollution to see if reducing airborne PAH would increase IQ in developing fetuses. 

Researchers analyzed data on over 63,000 children born in New York City to women on Medicaid, as lower-income families typically live in areas exposed to high amounts of pollution. After calculating a 25 percent decrease in PAH and pollution, researchers estimated that children exposed to PAH in the womb would have a higher IQ score than if they had been subject to the full amount of PAH currently in New York City air. 

IQ and earnings
Researchers then tied the IQ results to future earnings, estimating that children with higher IQs earn more than those with lower IQs. In fact, the study suggested that if children are exposed to 25 percent less PAH than they currently are, they could collectively earn between $43 million and $215 million more in their lifetimes than they would otherwise. 

"Our analysis suggests that a modest reduction in urban air pollution would provide substantial economic benefits and help children realize their full potential," Perera said in a statement. 

The study emphasized the importance of pollution reduction for reasons outside of health. Not only would decreasing pollution prevent illnesses, it could allow kids to be born with high IQs and, in turn, potentially earn more money. As city air is still polluted, pregnant women may decide to seek a cleaner environment to increase their children's chances of being born with a high IQ.