Researchers from the Jagiellonian University (UJ) in Krakow under the interdisciplinary research project Neurosmog are conducting research how smog affects children’s brains.

Scientific studies show that pregnant women breathing polluted air give birth to children with lower body weight and probably more susceptible to the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, i.e. ADHD.

Polish scientists intend to confirm the hypothesis about the relationship between inhalation of pollutants by a pregnant woman and her child, and subsequent disorders of self-control and a tendency to impulsive behavior.

Scientists want to not only confirm the link between smog and ADHD, but also to understand the mechanisms of this phenomenon and determine which specific neural pathways or which parts of the developing brain are damaged by air pollution. The research will include 800 children aged 10-13.