The influence of external factors on the development of primary palatal cleft

The study was designed to assess the effect of heavy metal fallouts in industrial areas on the development of primary palatal cleft in Northern Moravia and Silesia over a period of five years (1985-1990). The study involved a total of 110 children; fallout levels in their places of residence were determined. Heavy metal fallout levels were measured in the ashes of needles and forest soil in the nearest possible locality to the place of birth of the child. The data obtained show a striking correlation between increases in cadmium and cobalt levels and the development of primary palatal cleft.