Metals

Recent Publications and News

Bone lead variability in bone repository skeletal samples measured with portable x-ray fluorescence

Bone lead serves as a better, more accessible biomarker to many communities experiencing chronic exposure to lead. A new method using low energy x-ray fluorescence in a handheld device (portable XRF) allows us to measure this chronic biomarker in only a few minutes. However, many unknowns remain about this biomarker measured using a new low energy x-ray technique.
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Associations of an industry-relevant metal mixture with verbal learning and memory in Italian adolescents: The modifying role of iron status

Biomarker concentrations of metals are associated with neurodevelopment, and these associations may be modified by nutritional status (e.g., iron deficiency). No prior study on associations of metal mixtures with neurodevelopment has assessed effect modification by iron status.
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Early pregnancy essential and non-essential metal mixtures and maternal antepartum and postpartum depressive symptoms

Mood disorders are common during and after pregnancy, and environmental metals may contribute to increased risk. Antepartum metal exposures have not been well characterized in relation to maternal depression. We evaluated the extent to which early pregnancy erythrocyte concentrations of essential and non-essential metals were prospectively associated with antepartum and postpartum depressive symptoms.
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Associations of Prenatal Chemical and Nonchemical Stressors with Early-Adulthood Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals may increase risk of childhood internalizing problems, but few studies have explored the potential for longer-term consequences of such exposures.
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Metals dust in workers’ homes and potential for take home in the Greater Boston area: Pilot study

Toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, are present at construction worksites. From work, metals can easily, unintentionally be transported to homes of workers, contaminating living spaces and affecting others including children, known as “take-home exposure.”</p>
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Environmental Health Metals Faculty and Researchers