Abstract
Background: Results from cross-sectional studies have shown excess manganese (Mn) may adversely affect children's neurodevelopment. However, data from prospective studies are limited. We examined whether prenatal manganese was associated with behavioral problems in children from the 'Infants' Environmental Health (ISA)' birth cohort study in Costa Rica, who live near banana plantations aerially sprayed with mancozeb, a Mn-containing fungicide.Methods: We interviewed mothers from 5-year old children (mean 5.7 ± 0.4 years) (n=292) about children’s behavior during the last two months using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We measured Mn concentrations in maternal blood (MnB) and hair (MnH) samples collected 1-2 times during pregnancy, and calculated mean MnB and mean MnH concentrations. We analyzed internal consistency of CBCL and only analyzed scales with Cronbach-alfa >0.7. We examined linear and nonlinear relationships for log10-MnH and MnB concentrations and CBCL scales (Internalizing, Externalizing, Aggressive, Withdrawn) in separate models. We adjusted models for children's age at assessment, parity, HOME score, maternal education and maternal depression. We also revised effect modification by child sex.Results: Median (P25-P75) mean MnB and mean MnH during pregnancy were 24.0 μg/L (20.3-28.3) and 1.6 μg/g (0.8-3.3), respectively. Higher MnB concentrations were associated with more internalizing problems for girls (β=0.21 95%CI: -0.02, 0.43) but not for boys (β=-0.02 95%CI: -0.25, 0.21). MnB was not associated with other CBCL scales. We observed null associations for log10-MnH, and did not find evidence for non-linear relationships for MnB or MnH.Conclusions: Further studies, which include maternal and cord blood concentrations, as well as other essential elements, such as iron, are needed to understand whether maternal excess Mn during pregnancy contributes to behavioral problems in young children. Effects of excess Mn may be different for boys and girls.
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