Prenatal mercury exposure and offspring behaviour in childhood and adolescence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is considerable discussion over the possible harm caused by fetal exposure to mercury, but evidence of such harm is contradictory at levels commonly found in populations with moderate intakes of fish. Further information is needed to inform debate and clarify policy recommendations.

Material

Data were collected prospectively for the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood taken in the first half of pregnancy was assayed for mercury. The outcomes were offspring behavioural assessments collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at seven time points between ages 4 and 16-17 years; five were completed by the mother and two by the teacher. Socioeconomic and biological confounders were first taken into account; furth

SUBMITTER: Golding J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5138154 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature