Having a bad air day?

Wonder why so many people seem to be so dumb? Investing in real estate during a bubble? Smoking cigarettes? Falling for Internet scams? Maxing out credit cards at 20% interest? Well, some researchers may have some of the answer: bad air. Not "hair" but "air." Urban air pollution breathed by pregnant women is now linked to lower IQ in babies. The research tested the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). They get into the air from the burning fossil fuels or other organic substances such as tobacco. Motor vehicles are a major source of PAHs. So this research has sniffed out another urban problem, prevalent from Beijing to Mexico City, from Houston to Dubai. Gives new meaning to the phrase "dumbing down." Did I hear you say "stupidity is in the air?" [poll id="158"]