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Lead exposure and neurobehavior development in later infancy

Journal Article · · Environmental Health Perspectives; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.908913· OSTI ID:5840137
; ; ; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH (USA)
  2. E.I. du Pont de Nemours Inc., Wilmington, DE (USA)
A prospective methodology was used to assess the neurobehavioral effects of fetal and postnatal lead exposure during the first 2 years of life. Lead was measured in whole blood prenatally in mothers and at quarterly intervals in the infant. Prenatal blood lead levels were low (mean = 8.0 {mu}g/dL). However, approximately 25% of the study infants had at least one serial blood lead level of 25 {mu}g/dL or higher during the second year of life. Multiple regression and structural equation analyses revealed statistically significant relationships between prenatal and neonatal blood lead level and 3- and 6-month Bayley Mental and/or Psychomotor Development Index. However, by 2 years of age, no statistically significant effects of prenatal or postnatal lead exposure on neurobehavioral development could be detected. Data consistent with the hypothesis that a postnatal neurobehavioral growth catch-up occurred in infants exposed fetally to higher levels of lead are presented.
OSTI ID:
5840137
Journal Information:
Environmental Health Perspectives; (USA), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (USA) Vol. 89; ISSN 0091-6765; ISSN EVHPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English