24 January 2002
Smoking Out Crime
Researchers may have found a new way to bring down
A new study published this month in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy and the likelihood of the children having an arrest record. The relationship remained significant even when socio-economic backgrounds, pregnancy complications or the mothers' history of psychiatric or substance abuse problems were taken into account.
"Cigarettes have a devastating effect on society," said Peter Ucko, acting director of the National Council Against Smoking, "Most people are aware that cigarettes cause cancer and many horrific diseases, but the costs of smoking go beyond the effects on health. This study suggests that even the crime rate in this country could be improved if fewer people smoked."
The report, "Relationship of Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy With Criminal Arrest and Hospitalization for Substance Abuse in Male and Female Adult Offspring," was conducted by Patricia Brennan, an assistant professor of psychology at
The effect was especially great on males. Even smoking as few as one or two cigarettes a day during pregnancy appeared to increase the likelihood that a son would get arrested.
Females whose mothers had smoked were also more likely to be arrested. The risk however appeared linked to drug abuse. Girls were more likely to be addicted to drugs, leading to criminal behaviour and arrests.
"We have known for a long time that pregnant women damage their children by smoking," said Ucko, "this study gives yet another reason to quit."
For more information on quitting smoking, call (011) 720-3145.
The study can be found on the Web at http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org.