Fumaça ambiental do tabaco e transtornos neurocomportamentais em crianças: evidências atuais e mecanismos propostos

Abstract

Introduction: Pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with cognitive, behavioral, and possibly motor impairments in children, affecting neurodevelopment through multifactorial mechanisms. Beyond compromising respiratory and metabolic functions, ETS increases long-term neuropsychological risks, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and infants, demanding scientific attention and preventive public policies.Objectives:
To investigate the effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke on child neurodevelopment, including motor aspects.Methodology:
This narrative review analyzed studies published between 2014 and 2025 on the effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke on child neurodevelopment. Cognitive, motor, and behavioral alterations were investigated, as well as the biological mechanisms involved. The search was conducted in recognized scientific databases, addressing clinical evidence and highlighting gaps for future research.Results and Discussion:
Recent studies indicate that prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and indoor pollutants is associated with cognitive, language, and in some cases, motor deficits in child development. Despite methodological limitations, the findings reinforce the need for public policies focused on improving indoor air quality to protect child neurodevelopment.Conclusion:The data suggest that prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor pollutants compromises cognitive and language development in children. Preventive interventions and future research using biomarkers and longitudinal designs are necessary to clarify these associations.