This a study to investigate the effects of low-levels of blood lead, mercury and cadmium during pregnancy on child health and development.

CACH Team: Caroline Taylor, Jean Golding, Alan Emond

Levels of toxic metals in the blood of pregnant women may have consequences for the development of the baby in the womb and in childhood. We have used data on blood levels of lead, mercury and cadmium collected from pregnant women enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) to investigate (1) the effects of diet and lifestyle factors on these levels; and (2) whether the levels have links with measures of child development, including birth outcomes, IQ, pre-school development and motor skills. We’ve found that despite its mercury content eating fish in pregnancy has positive effects on the baby’s development (perhaps through providing essential nutrients). We’ve also been able to support the recent thinking that lead has damaging effects at all levels, without a lower limit.