Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The systematic review investigates the link between arsenic exposure and cognitive deficits in children. Published by PLOS ONE, the review synthesizes data from 24 observational studies conducted globally. It highlights how arsenic exposure, particularly through drinking water, food, and environmental sources, leads to significant cognitive impairments in children. These impairments include lower IQ scores, slower processing speeds, and deficits in memory and language skills. The review underscores the urgent need for interventions to reduce arsenic exposure, especially early in life.
Who is affected?
Children, especially those under 18, exposed to arsenic from various environmental sources, are the primary population at risk. These children typically live in regions where groundwater contamination and high levels of arsenic in food are prevalent. Communities relying on contaminated drinking water, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, Mexico, and Pakistan, are the most affected. The exposure impacts children’s cognitive development, with long-term consequences on their academic performance and future socio-economic prospects.
Most important findings
The review consistently found that higher levels of arsenic exposure correlate with lower cognitive performance in children. Studies from multiple countries, including Bangladesh, China, and Mexico, showed that children with greater exposure to arsenic had lower IQ scores, slower processing speeds, and impairments in language and memory. These cognitive deficits persisted even after adjusting for socio-economic factors such as parental education. Notably, a dose-response relationship was identified, where higher arsenic concentrations were associated with more significant cognitive impairments, particularly in areas with long-term exposure, such as contaminated groundwater. While most of the studies were observational, the evidence strongly suggests a direct link between arsenic exposure and cognitive decline.
Key implications
Arsenic exposure’s impact on children’s cognitive development raises significant public health concerns. The findings call for urgent policy interventions to reduce arsenic contamination, particularly in vulnerable regions. Measures such as improving water quality, public health awareness, and community-based remediation efforts are essential. Additionally, the review emphasizes the importance of early intervention, as arsenic exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to irreversible cognitive impairments. Public health strategies must focus on reducing arsenic exposure at early stages of life to safeguard children’s long-term cognitive health.
Citation
Tian, Y., Hou, Q., Zhang, M., Gao, E., & Wu, Y. (2025). Exposure to arsenic and cognitive impairment in children: A systematic review. PLOS One, 20(2), e0319104. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319104
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
