Prenatal Metal Exposure and Child Health

Abstract

Metals are components of the Earth’s crust, and they are widely expressed in nature. Some essential metals required for normal development. Some metals and metalloids including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic have been labeled as toxic even at low dose. Metals have various effects on the human body ranging from normal physiological effects to detrimental effects on body systems. Toxic metals not only have effects on the fetus by reducing birth weight but also produce long-term effects. The nervous system appears to be the most affected system in utero followed by the cardiovascular system. Epigenetic mechanisms that are particularly involved in normal development thus get affected in response to toxic metals. This chapter discusses evidence on the exposure to metals and their effects on early life, which is the most critical period for mankind as all the development and differentiation occur during this time.