The relation of environmental contaminants exposure to behavioral indicators in Inuit preschoolers in Arctic Quebec

Plusquellec, P; Muckle, G; Dewailly, E; Ayotte, P; Bégin, G; Desrosiers, C; Després, C; Saint-Amour, D; Poitras, K

HERO ID

580063

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

PMID

19854214

HERO ID 580063
In Press No
Year 2010
Title The relation of environmental contaminants exposure to behavioral indicators in Inuit preschoolers in Arctic Quebec
Authors Plusquellec, P; Muckle, G; Dewailly, E; Ayotte, P; Bégin, G; Desrosiers, C; Després, C; Saint-Amour, D; Poitras, K
Journal NeuroToxicology
Volume 31
Issue 1
Page Numbers 17-25
Abstract Although lead (Pb) exposure has been identified as an important risk factor in child behavioral development, less is known regarding the relation between child behavior and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury (Hg). Inuit children are particularly exposed to these chemicals and the aim of this study was to investigate the association between prenatal and postnatal exposure to Pb, PCBs, Hg and several aspects of behavioral function in Inuit preschoolers. The sample consisted of one hundred and ten 5-year-old Inuit children from Arctic Quebec. An umbilical cord blood sample was used to document prenatal exposure to Pb, PCBs and Hg. Child blood samples were collected at age 5 and the same contaminants were measured. A modified version of the Infant Behavior Rating Scale from the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II was used to assess child behavior through examiners' ratings. Furthermore, attention, activity and emotional outcomes were assessed through behavioral coding of video recordings taken during fine motor testing. Pb exposure during childhood was associated with examiners ratings of greater impulsivity, irritability and with coding of observed inattention. Prenatal exposure to PCB 153 correlated with the examiners ratings of increased state of unhappiness and anxiety during the testing session, which was corroborated from video coding since cord PCB 153 was related to fewer manifestations of positive affects. No association was found with Hg exposure. These data corroborated those from previous Pb cohort studies and revealed an association between prenatal PCBs exposure and emotional outcomes in preschoolers.
Doi 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.10.008
Pmid 19854214
Wosid WOS:000274611000003
Url <Go to ISI>://BCI:BCI201000186314
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Lead; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Child behavior; Direct observation; Bayley Infant Behavior Rating Scale; Prenatal exposure
Is Qa No