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HERO ID
2822071
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Postnatal arsenic exposure and attention impairment in school children
Author(s)
Rodríguez-Barranco, M; Gil, F; Hernández, AF; Alguacil, J; Lorca, A; Mendoza, R; Gómez, I; Molina-Villalba, I; González-Alzaga, B; Aguilar-Garduño, C; Rohlman, DS; Lacasaña, M
Year
2016
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Cortex
ISSN:
0010-9452
Volume
74
Issue
Elsevier
Page Numbers
370-382
Language
English
PMID
25682472
DOI
10.1016/j.cortex.2014.12.018
Web of Science Id
WOS:000369458500038
URL
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0010945215000271
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Abstract
Over the last few decades there has been an increased concern about the health risks from exposure to metallic trace elements, including arsenic, because of their potential neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. This study assessed whether urinary arsenic (UA) levels are associated with attention performance and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children living in an area with high industrial and mining activities in Southwestern Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 261 children aged 6-9 years. Arsenic levels were determined in urine samples. Attention was measured by using 4 independent tools: a) tests from the Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) designed to measure attention function: Simple Reaction Time Test (RTT), Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Selective Attention Test (SAT); b) AULA Test, a virtual reality (VR)-based test that evaluates children's response to several stimuli in an environment simulating a classroom; c) Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), administered to parents; and d) Teacher's Report Form (TRF), administered to teachers. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to estimate the magnitude of the association between UA levels and attention performance scores. Higher UA levels were associated with an increased latency of response in RTT (β = 12.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-21.1) and SAT (β = 3.6; 95% CI: .4-6.8) as well as with worse performance on selective and focalized attention in the AULA test (β for impulsivity = .6; 95% CI: .1-1.1; β for inattention = .5; 95% CI: .03-1.0). A dose-response relationship was observed between UA levels and inattention and impulsivity scores. In contrast, results from the CBCL and TRF tests failed to show a significant association with UA levels. In conclusion, UA levels were associated with impaired attention/cognitive function, even at levels considered safe. These results provide additional evidence that postnatal arsenic exposure impairs neurological function in children.
Keywords
Attention; ADHD; Neurobehavioral disorder; Arsenic; Neurotoxicity; Children
Tags
IRIS
•
Arsenic Hazard ID
Lit Search Updates Oct 2015 to Jan 2019
PubMed
ToxNet
WOS
2.5 Update 2015-2019: Title & Abstract Screening
Considered for further screening
8. Hazard through Oct 2015
Epi Hazard ID
9. Hazard ID through Oct. 2015_Epi 2019 PECO
Neurodevelopmental
•
Arsenic (Inorganic)
3. Hazard ID Screening
Potentially relevant epidemiology studies
Cited in Volume 1
Cited in Volume 2a
Cited in Volume 2b
•
Arsenic Susceptibility
Life Stages Citation Mapping
5%-10%
•
Methylmercury
Literature Search: Jan 1998 - March 2017
Science Direct
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