A systematic review of association between fine particle exposure and children's behavior

Abstract

Background: Fine particles (PM2.5) have a health effect on the nerves, which may further cause various behavioral problems. Children are susceptible groups, and behavioral problems can seriously affect children's growth and development and interpersonal communication. Methods: Online retrieval databases include PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang. All the published epidemiological literature on the relationship between fine particulate matter and children's behavior was collected by means of searching keywords and tracing related references. Results: A total of 25 qualified literatures were retrieved to study the relationship between PM2.5 and children's behavioral problems mainly from two aspects: behavioral disorder disease and children's abnormal behavior score. The existence of this correlation requires reasonable physiological mechanisms. In future studies in China, longitudinal cohort studies should be carried out to enhance the demonstration of the causal relationship between fine particulate pollution and children's behavior problems. Conclusions: This review suggests that there is an association between PM2.5 pollution and children's behavioral problems, and its impact on children's health cannot be ignored.Unlike diseases, there is no clear treatment for behavioral problems, which should be prevented during children's growth and development. Key words: Children; Behavior problems; Fine particulate matter. Fund program: National Natural Science Foundation of China (41907368, 21906156,41907367)