Examining the Effect of Household Pesticide Exposure on Infants' Temperament and Children's Behavioural and Emotional Problems

Few studies have examined the developmental pathways linking early pesticide exposure to children's socioemotional problems. Infant temperament is an important early indicator of socioemotional development and may be influenced by early environmental contaminants. However, no study to date has examined the association between household pesticide exposure and temperament in relation to later socioemotional problems. The current study examined the association between early exposure to household pesticides and infants' temperament, and if temperament mediated the link between early pesticide exposure and later socioemotional problems. Results revealed that greater early pesticide exposure predicted higher infant negative affectivity, which in turn predicted more internalizing and total problems in childhood. We observed indirect effects between greater early household pesticide exposure and higher internalizing and total problems through negative affectivity. Our results build on existing literature that highlights the need to find alternatives to household pesticides during sensitive periods to support healthier socioemotional development.