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As many people may have suspected, commonly used chemical compounds have now been decidedly linked to ADHD, or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, in children.  According to a study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, industrial compounds such as polyfluroakyl chemicals (PFCs) can contribute to ADD and ADHD.

PFCs are actually widely used in consumer products today, but can have very dangerous consequences.  Research suggests that the levels of ADHD being diagnosed today are in line with rising levels of PFCs.  According to the journal Environmental Health Perspectives the higher levels of chemicals such as these are contributing to higher odds of developing this disorder.

National Health researchers have further taken counts of the levels of PFCs found in the serum of children aged 12 to 15.  What they found was that there is a link between exposure and ADHD, however at present more research is apparently needed in order to conclude definitively that this is cause and effect.

What was discovered though was that the forty-eight children in the study diagnosed with ADHD prior to the blood sampling were found to have higher levels of PFCs than their non-ADHD counterparts.  

PFCs are stable compounds used in commercial and industrial products.  These products include, for instance, stain resistant coating, fire-fighting foams, and food packaging—the latter a particularly frightening revelation for parents.  

ADHD is one of the most common neurological disorders and though it is not yet clear to what extent environmental and genetic factors play a role, the findings are nevertheless suggestive.  If you are worried about your child or believe that their exposure to toxic chemicals might be affecting them, you may want to do a little more research and attempt to stay away from PFCs as much as possible.  Since food packaging may be among the culprits it is always best to buy foods in their natural state when possible.  Buying unpackaged bulk foods is one option which can help save you, your family and the planet.