The Effects of the Exposure to Neurotoxic Elements on Italian Schoolchildren Behavior

Abstract

Background/Aim: Neurodevelopmental disorders are constantly increasing on a global scale. Some elements are known to be neurotoxic being able to interfere with neurons. In this study we assessed the neurobehavioral effect of the exposure to trace elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, arsenic and selenium among 6-12 years old children residing in Taranto area in Italy. Methods: A total of 299 children from 6 to 11 years were enrolled in the 12 primary schools located in the 5 sub-areas. Whole blood, urine and hair were collected while The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), administered to the main teacher and to the mother were considered to identify problem behavior in children. The relationship between metal exposures and neurobehavioral outcomes was tested through linear mixed effects model and tobit regressions. Results: Blood lead mainly influenced social problems (beta 0.7; 95% CI 0.1, 1.4), aggressive behaviour (beta 0.9; 95% CI 0.2, 1.6), externalizing (beta 1.8; 95% CI 0.1, 3.5) and total problems (beta 1.9; 95% CI 0.2, 3.7). Urinary arsenic showed to have an impact on anxiety and depression (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.8), somatic problems (beta 0.6; 95% CI 0.1, 1.1), attention problems (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.7) and rule breaking behaviour (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.7). Conclusions: Overall, we were able to test that higher blood lead or urinary arsenic concentrations increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems. This is in line with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) priority list of hazardous substances where arsenic and lead are ranked as first and second respectively. No other studied elements appeared to have a statistically significant effect on children neurobehavior.