Arsenic Exposure and Cognitive Performance in Mexican Schoolchildren

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested an effect of high arsenic concentration on cognitive and neurobehavioral function in humans.ObjectiveOur goal was to identify demographic and nutritional factors that are associated with As exposure and the influence of this exposure on cognitive function in school-age children.MethodsWe recruited 602 children 6–8 years of age living within 3.5 km of a metallurgic smelter complex in the city of Torreón, Mexico, to participate in a cross-sectional evaluation. Of these, 591 had complete anthropometry, iron, and zinc status by biochemical measurements in serum, blood lead concentration (PbB), and arsenic in urine (UAs), and 557 completed several cognitive performance tests.ResultsThe mean for UAs was 58.1 ± 33.2 μg/L; 52% of the children had UAs concentrations > 50 μg/L, and 50.7% of children had PbB ≥10 μg/dL. UAs concentration was associated with low socioeconomic status. Nutritional status indicators were not related to UAs concentrations. Linear and logistic regressions adjusted for hemoglobin concentration, PbB, and sociodemographic confounders showed a significant inverse association between UAs and Visual–Spatial Abilities with Figure Design, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the WISC-RM Digit Span subscale, Visual Search, and Letter Sequencing Tests (p < 0.05). Boys excreted significantly more UAs (p < 0.05) and were affected on different cognitive areas than girls.ConclusionsChildren living in an area contaminated with both As and lead showed that As contamination can affect children’s cognitive development, independent of any effect of lead.

Sustainable Production Program in the Mexican Mining Industry: Occupational Risks

“…There are still limited guidelines in terms of the sustainable practices applied in the mining industry [13]. This project confirms that with a prudent execution of a design methodology, regarding extraction in Virgen del Carmen Mine, these practices can be achieved successfully, however, a permanent improvement of the processes is mandatory for a progressive enhancement.…”

“…1 illustrates the extraction process from the mine studied: Virgen del Carmen Mine. As a consequence of mining, the application of tools inducing to a more sustainable approach is recommended, this includes being more efficient and having cleaner and safer operations that benefit neighboring communities and profit generation through practices that foster miners' well-being and the environment's protection, of course [13], [14]. …”

“…However, to date, there is a limited set of guidelines for sustainable practices regarding mining operations; besides, these practices may have complications if applied for mining since a large amount of frameworks and indicators may be interpreted differently [13]. In accordance with [16], before introducing tools like cleaner production, they should be defined for the mining industry.…”

Neuroprotective Role of Quercetin against Arsenic Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain

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Zebrafish as a Model for Developmental Neurotoxicity Assessment: The Application of the Zebrafish in Defining the Effects of Arsenic, Methylmercury, or Lead on Early Neurodevelopment

“…Global epidemiological studies report a close relationship between early-life arsenic exposure and intellectual/cognitive ability of school-aged children [109][110][111][112]. For example, in a recent study conducted in the United States (US), Wasserman et al [112] investigated the association of arsenic exposure through drinking water at home and the IQ levels of 272 school-aged children (mean age of 9.67-years) with the mean residence time in the current dwelling place (~7.34 years).…”