Impact of Mercury Exposure on Child Development After 9/11
Author Information
Author(s): Sally Ann Lederman, Robert L. Jones, Kathleen L. Caldwell, Virginia Rauh, Stephen E. Sheets, Deliang Tang, Sheila Viswanathan, Mark Becker, Janet L. Stein, Richard Y. Wang, Frederica P. Perera
Primary Institution: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
Hypothesis
Higher blood total mercury levels, whatever their source, would be associated with differences in birth outcomes and adversely affect child development.
Conclusion
Higher cord blood mercury was associated with reductions in developmental scores at 36 and 48 months, after adjusting for the positive effects of fish/seafood consumption during pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Average cord mercury levels were more than twice maternal levels.
- Regression analyses showed no significant association between cord or maternal blood total mercury and birth outcomes.
- Fish/seafood consumption during pregnancy was significantly associated with increased developmental scores.
Takeaway
This study looked at how mercury from the environment affects babies' growth and learning. It found that more mercury in the blood can lead to lower scores on tests for young children.
Methodology
The study measured maternal and umbilical cord blood total mercury levels in women who delivered at term in lower Manhattan after 9/11 and assessed child development outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to cultural factors affecting blood donation among participants, particularly among China-born Asians.
Limitations
The study could not demonstrate significant increases in mercury levels due to proximity to the WTC site, and the effects of earlier environmental exposures may have influenced results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with a significant number being China-born Asians.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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