ECO-Mind: Environmental Conditions and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Children

Prenatal heat exposure contributes to children's mental health problems, with risks amplified by air pollution. Our study found first-trimester heat exposure predicted greater internalizing problems at ages 4-5, mediated through elevated age-3 progesterone and cortisol. Higher air pollution enhanced these effects. These findings inform interventions to protect child neurobehavioral development.