Association of Environmental Toxicants and Conduct Disorder in U.S. Children: NHANES 2001–2004

2008

Tobacco Smoke and Lead Exposure Linked to Conduct Disorder in Children

Sample size: 3081 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Joseph M. Braun, Tanya E. Froehlich, Julie L. Daniels, Kim N. Dietrich, Richard Hornung, Peggy Auinger, Bruce P. Lanphear

Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Hypothesis

The study tests the hypothesis that exposures to environmental tobacco smoke and childhood lead exposure are associated with conduct disorder in U.S. children.

Conclusion

Prenatal tobacco exposure and environmental lead exposure significantly contribute to conduct disorder in U.S. children.

Supporting Evidence

2.06% of children met DSM-IV criteria for conduct disorder, equivalent to 560,000 U.S. children.
Prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with a 3.00-fold increase in odds of conduct disorder.
Children with higher blood lead levels had an 8.64-fold increase in odds of meeting conduct disorder criteria.
Children with higher serum cotinine levels showed increased prevalence of conduct disorder symptoms.

Takeaway

Kids who are around tobacco smoke or have lead in their blood are more likely to have behavior problems.

Methodology

The study used data from the NHANES 2001-2004, examining the association of prenatal tobacco, postnatal tobacco, and environmental lead exposure with conduct disorder in children aged 8-15.