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Pre- and postnatal lead exposure and behavior problems in school-aged children
D Bellinger1, A Leviton, E Allred
1Neuroepidemiology Unit, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Environmental Research
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Early childhood lead exposure, measured by tooth lead levels, is linked to increased problem behaviors in children. Prenatal lead exposure, however, showed no significant association with behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Early lead exposure is a known neurotoxin.
- The relationship between lead exposure timing and behavioral outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the association between early lead exposure and later problem behaviors in children.
- To differentiate the impact of prenatal versus postnatal lead exposure on behavior.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 8-year-old children.
- Lead levels measured in umbilical cord blood (prenatal) and shed deciduous teeth (postnatal).
- Child behavior assessed using the Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Profile.
Main Results:
- Prenatal lead exposure (cord blood lead) was not associated with problem behaviors.
- Postnatal lead exposure (tooth lead) was significantly associated with higher total problem behavior scores.
- Increased internalizing and externalizing behavior scores were observed with higher tooth lead levels.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal lead exposure is a significant correlate of social and emotional dysfunctions in children.
- These findings suggest lead exposure may contribute to behavioral problems, though residual confounding is possible.