The impact of heavy metal exposure on mother-infant health during pregnancy and its related factors / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To measure the blood levels of mercury and arsenic of mother and umbilical cord, and analyze the relationship between these levels and outcome of pregnancy and complications. To explore the influential factors in order to guide a good birth and good care in pregnancy and lying-in women.Methods A total of 400 cases who were hospitalized in Xinhua hospital from March 2009 to August 2009 were included in this study. The blood levels of arsenic of mother and umbilical cord were determined by microwave digestion method and inductively coupled plasma emission mass spectroscopy method ( ICP-MS),while mercury determination was made using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). In addition, pregnant women were required to fill the questionnaire including their living environments, life styles,diet habits and etc. Results The newborn cord blood levels of mercury and arsenic were positively related to those of their mothers( r =0.88,0.91 respectively, P ＜0.05). The adverse pregnancy rates and complications rates in blood elevated mercury and arsenic groups were significantly higher than in the normal groups( x2 =7.07, 9. 94 respectively, P ＜ 0.01 ). Multiple regression analysis showed that the newborn blood mercury levels were significantly correlated to sea-fish eating, fruits supplement and ventilation during pregnancy. The former was a risk factor( Wald χ2 =8.28, P ＜0.01 ) and the later two were protective factors( Wald χ2 = 9.02, 6.05 respectively, P ＜ 0.05 ). Multiple regression analysis also showed that the newborn blood arsenic levels were significantly correlated to eating canned food, using cosmetics and education degree. Eating canned food and using cosmetics were risk factors(Wald χ2 =7.35, 10.38 respectively,P ＜ 0.05 ) while high education degree was protective factor( Wald χ2 = 8.87, P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion The newborn cord blood levels of mercury and arsenic were related to those of their mothers, environmental factors and health care during pregnancy. Health education and care during pregnancy were effective approaches for preventing mercury and arsenic poisoning.