Children born to mothers who work in nail salons, dry cleaners and medical labs tend to score poorly on tests of brain function, language and behavior. That’s the disturbing conclusion of research on the effect of workplace solvents by the University of Toronto, published in the October 2004 issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. These chemicals, which are easily inhaled and can penetrate the skin if handled, are also found in paint and plastic adhesives routinely found at work sites. Unfortunately, they are extremely hard to guard against. Even children whose mothers used face masks and protective equipment in the workplace exhibited attention disorders and hyperactivity. “The unborn baby is sensitive at levels that do not damage mom,” says lead researcher Gideon Koren, MD.