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Lead and hyperactivity revisited. An investigation of nondisadvantaged children

R Gittelman, B Eskenazi

    Archives of General Psychiatry
    |August 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study found higher lead levels in hyperactive children compared to their siblings, suggesting a weak association between lead exposure and hyperactivity disorders. Cognitive performance showed only a slight link to lead levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Health
    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    • Pediatric Health

    Background:

    • Hyperactivity disorders are a significant concern in child development.
    • Previous research suggested a link between lead exposure and neurodevelopmental issues.
    • The relationship between lead levels and perinatal complications in hyperactive children requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine if hyperactive children exhibit elevated lead levels.
    • To assess the association between lead levels and psychometric performance in hyperactive children.
    • To replicate findings on lead levels in hyperactive children with and without perinatal insult.

    Main Methods:

    • A comparative study design was employed.
    • Hyperactive, learning-disabled children and their normal siblings were recruited.
    • Chelated urine lead levels were measured and analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Hyperactive children demonstrated significantly higher chelated urine lead levels than their siblings.
    • A weak association was observed between cognitive performance and lead levels in the hyperactive group.
    • Lead levels were not negatively correlated with perinatal complications, contradicting prior studies.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated lead levels are present in hyperactive children compared to their siblings.
    • Lead exposure shows a weak association with hyperactivity disorders.
    • The previously reported inverse correlation between lead levels and perinatal complications was not replicated.

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