Low levels of prenatal tobacco smoke exposure are associated with a higher risk of developmental problems for African American children than whites

Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke has already been linked to prematurity and cognitive defects in young children. Previous research has also shown racial differences in metabolism of nicotine among adolescents, adults, and pregnant women. The current study focused on the developmental differences between 242 white and black children at 1 and 2 years of age. The study was limited to children whose mothers had measurable levels of cotinine - a biological byproduct of nicotine - in their blood during pregnancy. The researchers found that low-level prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with deficits in both motor and cognitive development, but only for black children. The children were assessed for cognitive and motor development. Although the researchers found no statistically significant association between prenatal tobacco exposures and lower scores in white children, they stressed expectant white mothers should still refrain from smoking. All women should be aware of the dangers of tobacco smoke to themselves and their developing babies, but the research suggests African American women should be particularly careful during pregnancy.