title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and environmental toxic metal exposure in the United Arab Emirates.
abstract: No systematic studies have been carried out on the effects of toxic metals on childhood behavior in the Gulf Region including the UAE. The relationship between blood levels of heavy metals and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were explored in school-aged children of UAE and it was found that increased blood concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were significantly associated with ADHD. The findings suggest that monitoring for exposure to heavy metal levels and education on potential child health hazards related to them are indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE.
authors.forename: Said
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yousef
authors.forename: Abdu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adem
authors.forename: Taoufik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zoubeidi
authors.forename: Melita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kosanovic
authors.forename: Abdel Azim
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mabrouk
authors.forename: Valsamma
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Eapen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D014479:United Arab Emirates
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy