The December 2009 issue of Pediatrics includes an interesting article on ADHD and potential prenatal exposure factors that might lead to greater chances of children developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

A study has been released showing that infants exposed prenatally to tobacco smoke are 2.4 times more likely to have attention deficit disorder as a child.  Furthermore, children who are exposed to lead are 2.3 times more likely to have ADHD.  Unfortunately, there are children that have been exposed to both, falling into a category that is 8.1 times more likely to have this disorder.

The children who participated in this study were between 8 and 15 years old.  There were 2,588 youths in this study, with 9% diagnosed with ADHD.

Amazingly, if pregnant women and young children avoided both tobacco smoke and lead, up to 35% of kids with ADHD would be eliminated.  This is a whopping 800,000 children!

If you are pregnant or have children, this study is yet more proof of how important it is to avoid smoking and lead exposure at all costs.

Find out more about possible sources of lead exposure here.

The World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc, otherwise known as W.A.T.C.H., has released a list of the top ten most dangerous toys of 2009. Expecting BB Guns or pocket knives?  Think again.  This year not only includes Curious George, but Disney’s Wall-E as well.

Some of the dangerous toys you need to watch out for?  Disney-Pixar’s Wall-E Foam Rocket Launcher, the Moon Board Pogo Board and the baby book, “Curious Baby Curious George Counting.”

You can see the full list including pictures of the most dangerous toys of 2009 at the W.A.T.C.H. website.  And as you shop this holiday season, be sure to really look at the function and parts of the toy you are buying.  Are there small pieces?  Does the toy shoot objects that could damage eyes?  Is the toy you are buying age appropriate?

As consumers, we are all at risk of buying potentially unsafe products.  But we can help ourselves by following the news for product recalls and by using our better judgment when buying for our family.