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2683319 
Journal Article 
Review 
Chemical mixtures and children's health 
Henn, BC; Coull, BA; Wright, RO 
2014 
Yes 
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
ISSN: 1040-8703
EISSN: 1531-698X 
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS 
PHILADELPHIA 
26 
2 
223-229 
English 
24535499 
WOS:000333289400015 
Purpose of review: Humans are routinely exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously or sequentially. There is evidence that the toxicity of individual chemicals may depend on the presence of other chemicals. Studies on chemical mixtures are limited, however, because of the lack of sufficient exposure data, limited statistical power, and difficulty in the interpretation of multidimensional interactions. This review summarizes the recent literature examining chemical mixtures and pediatric health outcomes, with an emphasis on metal mixtures.

Recent findings: Several studies report significant interactions between metals in relation to pediatric health outcomes. Two prospective studies found interactive effects of early-life lead and manganese exposures on cognition. In two different cohorts, interactions between lead and cadmium exposures were reported on reproductive hormone levels and on neurodevelopment. Effects of lead exposure on impulsive behavior and cognition were modified by mercury exposure in studies from Canada and Denmark. However, there is little consistency related to exposure indicators and statistical approaches for evaluating interaction.

Summary: Several studies suggest that metals interact to cause health effects that are different from exposure to each metal alone. Despite the nearly infinite number of possible chemical combinations, mixtures research represents real-life exposure scenarios and warrants more attention, particularly in the context of uniquely vulnerable children. 
chemical mixtures; children; epidemiology; metals; pediatric