A new study reveals a link between fetal exposure to flame retardants and an increased risk of anxiety during adolescence. Researchers found the higher the levels of PBDE, a class of chemicals used in flame retardants, in a pregnant woman's blood sample, the higher a child' scored for anxiety during their teenage years.
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue facing children and adolescents. But research shows that early screening – including in school settings – can identify children who are at risk.