Solvent levels may affect IQ of foetus

New research has revealed that children born to mothers exposed to solvents in the workplace seem to have significant developmental problems. The children had lower IQs, poorer language and memory skills, and were inattentive and hyperactive, Canadian researchers found.

The research, published in the medical journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, is the first to document possible harm to a foetus from exposure to organic solvents.