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Exploring the Links Between ADHD and Environmental Factors
- Paula Smith
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
ADHDKC recently hosted a talk featuring Paula Smith, a retired licensed professional counselor and co-coordinator of ADHD Nashville. Smith discussed the potential impact of environmental factors on ADHD symptoms, sharing her perspective on how food additives, toxins, and technology may influence behavior.
Genetics vs. Environment
Smith acknowledged that ADHD is primarily a genetic condition but suggested that environmental factors could exacerbate symptoms. She emphasized the role of prenatal influences, including maternal stress, smoking, alcohol use, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Food Additives and ADHD
Smith discussed the potential impact of artificial food dyes and preservatives, sharing personal anecdotes about her children and grandchildren’s behavioral changes after consuming certain foods. While some studies have linked food dyes to hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, the scientific consensus remains inconclusive. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting ultra-processed foods — many of which contain synthetic dyes — not because of ADHD concerns but due to their high sugar content and low nutritional value.
Smith also highlighted concerns about sodium benzoate, a preservative found in many processed foods. While some studies suggest potential risks, experts generally agree that it is safe at regulated levels.
Pesticides and Organic Food
Smith expressed concerns about pesticide exposure, citing studies suggesting potential links between pesticides and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. However, the broader scientific consensus maintains that pesticide residues in food, when within government-regulated levels, are safe. Experts emphasize that eating conventional fruits and vegetables is far healthier than avoiding them due to pesticide concerns.
Plastics and Chemicals in Everyday Products
She also discussed chemicals such as BPA (found in plastics), phthalates, parabens, and PFAS (so-called "forever chemicals"), suggesting that they may influence hormonal balance and neurodevelopment. Some studies indicate potential associations, but more research is needed to confirm direct links to ADHD.
Electromagnetic Fields and ADHD
Smith addressed concerns about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cell phones and Wi-Fi, particularly during pregnancy. Some studies suggest possible effects on fetal development, but the research is inconclusive. The strongest evidence regarding cell phones relates to sleep disruption, which can significantly impact behavior and learning. Limiting screen time, especially before bed, is a well-supported strategy to improve sleep quality, quantity, and benefits.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Smith encouraged attendees to make gradual changes, such as choosing whole foods, reducing processed food consumption, and being mindful of environmental exposures. However, she acknowledged the difficulty of eliminating all potential toxins.
Important Disclaimers about ADHD and Environmental Factors:
Personal Experience vs. Scientific Evidence: Smith’s experiences and observations are personal and not based on conclusive scientific proof. Some of the studies she referenced have conflicting findings.
EU vs. US Food Standards: While the EU takes a more precautionary approach, requiring proof of safety before approving food additives, the US follows a different risk assessment model to make sound and safe recommendations.
Food Dyes: While some studies have suggested an association between food coloring and ADHD, no conclusive evidence has been found to show that food coloring causes ADHD. Foods that contain synthetic dyes are also often high in sugar, such as ultra processed sugary drinks, juices, snacks and candies. These are foods that the American Academy of Pediatrics has long advised parents to limit in kids' diets.
Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), meaning that experts consider it safe when used as intended. It prevents growth of bacteria in foods and personal care items and is used as a preservative. The effects of sodium benzoate on different mental disorders remain unclear — they may be influenced by several factors, including dosage, duration, and the specific animal models used. For more: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/connections-between-food-additives-and-psychiatric-disorders
Pesticides in Produce: Scientific consensus suggests that regulated pesticide levels are safe. Organically and non-organically foods are similar nutritionally. Your overall diet — how many fruits, vegetables, and whole foods you eat—matters far more than whether they carry an organic label, and with the higher price tag (organic food typically costs 20-100% more than conventionally farmed foods) it is more important to eat a variety of all types of produce than to choose organic foods. Foods grown with both types of farming meet and exceed safety thresholds set by regulatory agencies. Studies have found that even organic foods contain pesticide residues. Washing, peeling, or cooking can further reduce residues, regardless of how the food was grown.
Cell Phones and ADHD: While cell phone use itself can impact sleep, which in turn affects behavior, there is no strong evidence that EMF from cell phones directly causes ADHD or developmental harm in pregnancy.
Think Dirty App: Reviews of this app warn that the rating system is unclear and confusing. While some of the ingredients the app may flag have the potential to be harmful to us, it doesn’t take into account the amount of that ingredient that’s in the product compared to the amount that would actually have the hazardous effects the app claims. It’s the dose that matters.
EWG: The EWG is mentioned in the chat box as a resource, but this group notoriously overstates the health risks of chemicals and incites fear over facts. While the EWG may seem like an unbiased, legitimate organization, but they are largely funded by organic farming. For a detailed review, see https://www.agdaily.com/insights/dirty-deception-ewg-dirty-dozen/.