Developmental Brain and Behavior Toxicity of Air Pollutants: A Focus on the Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Because the developing brain is highly susceptible to toxic injuries, the effects of early exposure to air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have to be questioned. In addition to direct inhalation, food consumption appears to be the main source of intake for these pollutants in humans. Thus, a risk does exist for newborns and young infants through ingestion of contaminated milk from their mothers or commercial ruminant preparations at a moment of extreme vulnerability for the brain. The author reviews human and animal studies, which provide some evidence of the potent toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for the developing brain.