Neurodevelopment and Manganese Exposure in Rural, Appalachian Ohio

摘要

Manganese (Mn) is both an essential element and neurotoxicant. Two communities in Ohio have the highest Mn exposure sources in the nation. The goal of this study is to address the communities' primary research question: "Does Mn affect cognitive development of children?" Children ages 7-9 were enrolled in the Communities Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES) from Marietta, Cambridge, and East Liverpool, Ohio. CARES has been conducted using community-based participatory research principles. We conducted neurodevelopmental measurements on children including neurocognitive, neuromotor, behavioral and social. Blood and hair were analyzed for Mn and lead (Pb) and serum was analyzed for cotinine. Both low and high Mn concentrations in blood and hair were negatively associated with child IQ scores. There was a negative association between hair Mn and child IQ in East Liverpool children. Serum cotinine was also negatively associated with child cognitive function. Community engagement has enhanced the research process and the translation of study findings for the communities.