Prenatal methylmercury exposure and developmental effects. An evidence-based review

摘要

A systematic critical review of the literature pertaining to the association between prenatal exposure to MeHg and subsequent child development is presented. Twelve studies carried out since 1980 were identified. Of these, 3 were longitudinal studies and 9 were cross-sectional studies. The results of 3 studies indicated an adverse effect of MeHg, 2 indicated no adverse effect and the remainder produced equivocal conclusions. Most studies were of good methodological quality and methodological limitations did not appear to account for the inconsistency in results. This inconsistency is discussed in terms of the differing approaches to the assessment of exposure and effects and some suggestions are offered for possible future directions in the field.