Watan-A scientific study conducted in the United States has confirmed that high exposure to lead leads to increased forgetfulness in children.
Published in the journal Science Advances, which focuses on scientific research, the study was led by researcher Katherine Svenson from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. It examined the effects of lead exposure on fetuses and young children in early developmental stages.
The research team measured blood lead levels in both fetuses and children aged four to six, and studied the impact of this metal on memory performance between the ages of six and eight, using the “Delayed Matching to Sample” (DMTS) test—a research method commonly used to assess working memory and other cognitive abilities.
This test involves showing a participant a “sample” item, and after a delay, asking them to select the matching item from a group of options. The researchers found that higher blood lead levels were associated with increased forgetfulness in children.
Public Health Implications
The researchers wrote:“From a public health perspective, these findings underscore the importance of intervening to reduce children’s exposure to lead.”
In statements reported by the scientific news website HealthDay, they added that:“Reducing environmental lead exposure through certain foods, household paint materials, and plumbing systems is critical, as even low levels of lead can have serious effects on cognitive function and development in children.”
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