Early-Life Cadmium Exposure and Child Development in 5-Year-Old Girls and Boys: A Cohort Study in Rural Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Cadmium is a commonly occurring toxic food contaminant, but health consequences of early-life exposure are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the associations between cadmium exposure and neurobehavioral development in preschool children. METHODS: In our population-based mother-child cohort study in rural Bangladesh, we assessed cadmium exposure in 1,305 women in early pregnancy and their children at 5 years of age by measuring concentrations in urine (U-Cd), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Children's IQ at 5 years of age, including Verbal (VIQ), Performance (PIQ), and Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ), were measured by Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Behavior was assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, adjusted for sex, home stimulation, socioeconomic…