Relationship of prenatal methylmercury exposure and language/verbal function: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is a well-established hazard of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Past research on MeHg has highlighted DNT tests of language/verbal function (in particular the Boston naming test (BNT)) as an important aspect of MeHg toxicity.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis based on a recent systematic review of MeHg neurodevelopmental dose-response cohort studies published 1998-2025 that reported similarly normed tests of language/verbal function. Meta-analyses were based on recent studies using maternal blood biomarkers or cord blood biomarkers converted into maternal blood biomarkers.

Results

For the BNT with or without cues, analysis (based on 2 studies (3 populations)) results were adverse, but not statistically significant. For th

SUBMITTER: Kopylev L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481983 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature