Prenatal exposure to lead in Spain: Cord blood levels and associated factors

Abstract Introduction and Objective Lead is a known neurotoxic. Fetuses and infants are very vulnerable to lead exposure, since their blood-brain barrier is not completely formed. Hence, there is an importance for monitoring of blood lead levels prenatally and during early infancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prenatal exposure to lead and its association with maternal factors in four population based mother–child cohorts in Spain. The present research was carried out within the framework of the INMA project INfancia y Medio Ambiente (Environment and Childhood). Methods A total of 1462 pregnant women were recruited between 2004 and 2008. Lead was analyzed in a sample of cord blo…