Introduction and objective: The developing brain of a child is extremely prone to damage resulting from exposure to harmful environmental factors, e.g. heavy metals. Intoxication of children’s organisms with lead and cadmium affects their intellectual development. Even a relatively small amount of this metal in children’s blood can lead to developmental dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between blood lead and cadmium levels in children with behaviour disorders and their functioning in the home. Material and methods: This survey-based study was conducted among 78 families with children diagnosed as having behaviour disorders. It was performed using the ADHD-Rating Scale-IV. To determine lead and cadmium levels the laboratory procedure was based on Stoppler and Brandt’s method. Results: The mean blood lead level was 19.71 μg/l and the mean blood cadmium level was 0.215μg/l. Higher blood lead levels in children correlates positively with incidences of hyperactive and impulsive behaviour in the home, as assessed by parents (p=0.048). Statistically significant effects of cadmium on children’s behaviour were not noticed. Conclusions: The effect of lead on the developing organism of a child has such behavioural consequences as attention disorders, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour which, in turn, may interfere with children’s functioning in the home. A negative effect of cadmium on the functioning of children with behaviour disorders in the home was not proved.
Introduction and objective: The level of trace elements is extremely important for the maintenance of normal functioning of the human body. The risk of disturbance of their balance increases especially dynamically during the period of menopause. The objective of the study was the effect of MHT on the levels of bioelements (Mg and Zn) in blood plasma, and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the whole blood in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: The study covered 323 women at postmenopausal age from the population of the West Pomeranian Region, in whom the levels of Mg, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined. The women were divided into two groups: study and control. The study group were 152 women who used menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The control group were 171 women who did not use MHT, and had had their final menstrual period at least one year prior to inclusion in the study. The mean age of the women examined was 56±5. Results: Significantly higher levels of the bioelements Mg, Zn were observed in women who used MHT, compared to the control group (p<0.05). The concentration of Pb in whole blood was significantly lower in the study than the control group: 16.09±7.33 μg/l and 20.18±9.01 μg/l, respectively. An elevated level of Cd in whole blood was found in both groups of women: 0.9±1.03 μg/l and 0.8±1.1 μg/l, respectively. It was noted that women who used MHT more frequently declared the presence of climacteric symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusions: 1) Higher levels of Mg and Zn were found in blood plasma of women who used MHT. 2) The mean concentration of Cd in the blood of women in both groups was similar. 3) In women who use MHT the level of Pb in whole blood was lower, compared to the rest of the women.
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