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.
Read MorePrepregnancy exposure to dietary arsenic and congenital heart defects
Arsenic crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissues. In the United States, diet is the predominant route of arsenic exposure, but epidemiologic data are sparse regarding this exposure and development of birth defects. Using data from a large case-control study, we explored associations between maternal dietary arsenic exposure and congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most prevalent birth defects.
Read MoreEarly 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.
Read MoreMetals 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.”
Read MoreHydroelectric projects threaten human health
In a new study, Harvard University researchers find over 90 percent of potential new Canadian hydroelectric projects are likely to increase concentrations of the neurotoxin methylmercury in food webs near indigenous communities.
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