Study shows low level cadmium exposure linked to learning disabilities

Researchers have found that children with low levels of cadmium in their urine have an increased risk of learning disabilities and special educational needs.

The findings come from a study by US researchers examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on children aged from six to fifteen years old. The scientists compared urinary levels of cadmium with neurodevelopmental outcomes, and found that children with the highest levels of cadmium were significantly more likely than those with the lowest levels to suffer from reported learning disabilities and special educational needs.

The researchers highlight the importance of these findings, because they were observed at exposure levels previously considered to be without adverse effects, and at levels common among US children.

The study is published in Environmental Health Perspectives.



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