In utero exposure to heavy metals: effects on child development. (360G-Wellcome-104077_Z_14_Z)

It has recently been recognised that there are effects of heavy metals on babies and children at levels previously thought to have been of no concern. The fetus is particularly vulnerable because of the high rate of cell division and differentiation. Thus, relatively low levels of exposure that do not harm the mother may have a profound effect on the development of the fetus and its growth and development during childhood. This project will make use of data from a prospective birth cohort study: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. This provides a unique and powerful opportunity to evaluate the long-term outcomes of in utero exposure to Pb, Cd and Hg on children and to enable identification of associations between maternal levels and cognitive and behavioural outcomes in the child. The aims of the study are: (1) to identify the predictors of Pb, Cd and Hg levels in pregnancy with a view to identifying interventions that will minimise exposure; (2) to identify the predic tive value of maternal levels on a variety of childhood educational and developmental outcomes up to age 18 years; (3) to identify the role of maternal genetics and epigenetics in modifying these relationships.