Arsenic exposure and cognitive performance in school children

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify demographic and nutritional factors that are associated with Arsenic exposure and the influence of As on cognitive function in school‐age children. 602 children aged 6 to 8 living within 3.5 km of a metallurgic smelter complex in the city of Torreon, Mexico participated in a cross‐sectional evaluation. 557 had complete anthropometry, nutritional status by biochemical measurements in blood, blood lead concentration (PbB), arsenic in urine (UAs), and completed cognitive performance tests. The mean for UAs was 58.1 ± 33.2 ug/dL, 52% had UAs concentrations > 50 ug/dL and 50.7% of children had blood PbB > 10 μg/dL UAs concentration was also associated with low SES. Nutritional status indicators were not related to UAs concentrations. Linear and logistic regressions showed a significant inverse association between UAs and the Math Achievement test, Visual‐Spatial Abilities with Block Design and the WISC‐RM Digit Span subscale (p<0.05), Boys excreted significantly more UAs (p<0.05) and were affected on different cognitive areas than girls. In conclusion, children living in an area contaminated with both arsenic and lead showed that arsenic contamination affected children cognitive development independent of any effect of lead.