How Can Heavy Metal Exposure Affect Brain Development in Children?

Brain development and IQ depend on many factors including genetics, nutrition, the child’s social environment, and environmental exposures. Heavy metal exposure is just one of these factors. Heavy metal exposure can interfere with learning, attention, and behavior. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals because their brains are rapidly developing. The levels of metals found in food are likely a small part of a child’s overall exposure to metals; however, a child’s total metal exposure from all sources can pose a risk to health.