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The Association between Lead and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review
Gabriele Donzelli1,2, Annalaura Carducci3, Agustin Llopis-Gonzalez4,5
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universitat de Valencia. Avenida Vicente Andres Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain. gabriele.donzelli@for.unipi.it.
Environmental lead exposure is linked to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Even low lead levels may increase ADHD risk, highlighting the need for further research on this environmental pollutant.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Toxicology
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) etiology is complex and multifactorial.
- Epigenetic processes are emerging as potential mechanisms in ADHD development.
- Lead is a significant environmental pollutant with suspected links to ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current epidemiological literature on the association between lead exposure and ADHD diagnosis.
- To synthesize findings from observational studies examining lead exposure and ADHD in children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases (July 2018).
- Inclusion of observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) from the last 5 years.
- Studies focused on children, measuring lead exposure and ADHD-related health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria.
- Twelve studies indicated a positive association between lead exposure and ADHD.
- Five studies found no significant association; findings were not always homogeneous.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests an association between lead exposure and ADHD, with low levels posing a risk.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to understand the relationship between lead exposure and ADHD development.
- Public health initiatives should encourage research into comprehensive ADHD risk factors in children.
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