Association between early lead exposure and externalizing behaviors in adolescence: A developmental cascade.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lead (Pb) exposure is associated with adverse neurological development. Most notably, it has been observed through externalizing behavior symptoms, as observed among Inuit children from northern Québec. Evidence for a persistent neurological impact of early Pb exposure later in life is however scarce. Pb exposure may initiate a developmental cascade that increases the risk of long-term behavior problems.

Objectives

Testing for direct associations between childhood Pb concentrations and adolescent externalizing symptoms and substance use, as well as indirect associations through childhood behavior assessments.

Methods

The study sample is a longitudinal cohort of Inuit children (n = 212) followed since birth. Blood Pb concentrations were measured during child

SUBMITTER: Desrochers-Couture M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6759380 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature