Environment was contaminated with air pollution may affect fetal brain development. For the first time researchers in the United States, found a link between air pollution and low IQ scores (Intelligent Quotient) in children.

This result is known after a team of researchers from the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health conduct research on 249 children and the mother of each child. The research team previously, measuring air pollution levels are acceptable to pregnant women by using air quality monitoring tool. This tool is used by the mother during the last three months of pregnancy.

The mothers who were respondents living in the neighborhood mostly middle to lower in areas of Harlem and the Bronx, New York. Generally those living in the area frequently contaminated by air pollution from vehicle exhaust gas.

When the child turns 5 years of age, their children are given an IQ test. As a result, they are often contaminated with air pollution while still in the womb of the mother, get a value 4-5 times lower than children who are less exposed to air pollution.

"These results show substantial differences that could affect the performance of children in school," said Dr. Frederica Perera, lead investigator.