Performance on an executive function task among Uruguayan school children exposed to low-level arsenic

G. Barg, M. Vahter, E. I. Queirolo, N. Mañay, K. Kordas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Arsenic is a known neurotoxic with demonstrated effects on child IQ, particularly in regions of the world characterized by high-level arsenic exposure. Less is known about the effects of low-level exposure on child cognition and about effects other than general cognitive abilities. We examined the extent to which low-level exposure in school children is related to performance on an executive function task (the Internal/External Dimension Shift task). Sum of inorganic arsenic metabolites in the urine of these children was low (14.4 ± 11.9 μg L-1) and not associated with measures of task performance in adjusted models. The same was true for %MMA. The multivariate models need to be interpreted with caution and replicated in other studies. Based on this study, we find little effects of low-level arsenic exposure on executive function, particularly the ability to learn new rules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOne Century of the Discovery of Arsenicosis in Latin America (1914-2014)
Subtitle of host publicationAs 2014 - Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages553-555
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)9781138001411
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2014 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration: May 11 2014May 16 2014

Publication series

NameOne Century of the Discovery of Arsenicosis in Latin America (1914-2014): As 2014 - Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment

Other

Other5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2014
Country/TerritoryArgentina
CityBuenos Aires
Period5/11/145/16/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemical Health and Safety

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Performance on an executive function task among Uruguayan school children exposed to low-level arsenic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this