Several news outlets are reporting on a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics that suggests a correlation between ingestion of organophosphate pesticides and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. The study has not yet appeared on the publication’s website. The study involved taking one-time urine samples in 1,139 children between the ages of 8 and 15. The urine of 94% percent of the children tested had at least some of six pesticide breakdown compounds (metabolites) that were tested. The links to the articles are here:

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2010/05/study-common-pesticides-linked-to-adhd.html

http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-us-children-pesticides,0,5755096.story

For one compound in particular, 20% of the children with above-average levels had ADHD. In children with no detectable amount in their urine, only 10 % had ADHD. Food products especially high in pesticides include frozen blueberries, strawberries, and celery. This study was based on interviews with parents to gauge whether the children had ADHD. Also, only one urine sample was taken. The news reports of the study do not report exactly how organophosphates or their metabolites can cause ADHD or list which compounds the study examined.