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 studied?
This review focused on mercury exposure and its relationship to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The authors systematically evaluated available scientific evidence on prenatal and postnatal mercury exposure and its association with neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language disorders, and cognitive impairments. The review involved an extensive search of studies published between 2016 and 2021 and aimed to analyze the potential impact of mercury exposure during critical developmental periods on childhood neurodevelopment. The studies considered included those measuring mercury levels in various biological samples, such as blood, hair, urine, and umbilical cord tissue, and assessing developmental and behavioral outcomes in children aged 0–12 years.
Who was studied?
The studies reviewed in this paper involved children aged 0 to 12 years, with a focus on those exposed to mercury both during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The studies included various cohorts, such as pregnant women and their infants, with particular attention paid to children who lived in regions with higher environmental mercury contamination, such as those near gold mining areas. The research also included children from diverse geographical regions, including the United States, Spain, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, to reflect global mercury exposure scenarios. The review emphasized the importance of understanding the differences in susceptibility between genders, as well as the potential impact of other factors, like maternal folate levels, on mercury’s effects.
Most important findings
The review highlighted that prenatal and postnatal mercury exposure is linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in the areas of language development, cognition, and motor skills. Several studies found that children exposed to higher mercury levels during pregnancy exhibited lower IQ scores, language impairments, and delays in fine motor skills. Notably, the study by Nyanza et al. found a significant association between prenatal mercury exposure and language impairment in children. Similarly, other studies reported cognitive deficits in children whose mothers had higher levels of mercury in their blood, hair, or breast milk during pregnancy.
Exposure to mercury during the postnatal period, particularly through breastfeeding, was associated with a decrease in general intelligence scores and motor performance in children. For example, studies by Feng et al. and Barbone et al. indicated that higher mercury levels in children’s hair were linked to reduced IQ and poor motor performance. The review also considered the relationship between mercury exposure and behavioral disorders, such as ASD and ADHD.
Key implications
The study also supports the introduction of early intervention measures, such as prenatal mercury screening and counseling, especially for populations living in mercury-contaminated regions. Public health efforts should focus on educating pregnant women and caregivers on safe fish consumption practices and the risks associated with mercury exposure, to prevent developmental disorders in children. Regular monitoring of mercury levels in at-risk populations could be an integral part of HTMC certification to mitigate long-term health consequences.
Citation
Ealo Tapia D, Torres Abad J, Madera M, Márquez Lázaro J. Mercury and neurodevelopmental disorders in children: A systematic review. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2023 Oct 1;121(5):e202202838. English, Spanish. doi: 10.5546/aap.2022-02838.eng. Epub 2023 May 11.
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxic heavy metal found in various consumer products and environmental sources, making it a major public health concern. Its regulation is critical to protect vulnerable populations from long-term health effects, such as neurological impairment and cardiovascular disease. The HMTC program ensures that products meet the highest standards for mercury safety.
