More than genes

by D. P. Agin

Biologist Dan Agin marshals new scientific evidence to argue that the fetal environment can be just as crucial as genetic hard-wiring or even later environment in determining our intelligence and behavior. Stress during pregnancy, for example, puts children at far greater risk of anxiety disorders. Nutritional deprivation during early fetal development may elevate the risk of late onset schizophrenia. And exposure to a whole host of environmental toxins, especially lead, as well as maternal use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs can have impacts ranging from mild cognitive impairment to ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders. Agin argues that differences in IQ among ethnic and socioeconomic groups are far more attributable to higher levels of stress and chemical toxicity in inner cities--which compromise the health of the fetus--than to genetics. The good news is that there are ways to protect fetal development.--From publisher description.