People's ability to breakdown and excrete invading toxic substances like pesticides varies considerably. A study found that pregnant women whose bodies are less able to excrete the insecticide chlorpyrifos (thus exposing their foetus to higher levels) were more likely to give birth to babies with reduced head circumferences.

Reduced head circumference is linked to reduced brain volume and a reduced ability to process information. Reduced brain volume has been linked to an increased risk of developing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The US has recently banned chlorpyrifos from residential use. The researchers call on other countries' regulatory bodies to review the evidence.

Courtesy of Pesticide Action Network Current Research Monitor