SynthesisPloS one2025
Exposure to arsenic and cognitive impairment in children: A systematic review.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Early-Life Exposure to Heavy Metals: A Systematic Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Pooled it
- Neuro-inflammation Induced by Arsenic: An Insight into Mechanisms and Pathways Involved.Biological trace element research · 2026Review
- Arsenic Trioxide Underpins Delayed Neuroinflammation and Impaired Synaptic Integrity involving Integrative Stress Response Signaling.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2025Article
- Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mexican Dietary Supplements Using Total X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Health Risk Evaluation.Foods (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Dietary Intake Is Associated with Biomarkers of Lead, Arsenic, and Cadmium in a Cohort of Mexican Adolescents.The Journal of nutrition · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveArsenic exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for its impact on children's cognitive development. Arsenic, a prevalent environmental toxin, is known to disrupt various biological pathways, leading to cognitive deficits and neurodevelopmental issues. Understanding the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced cognitive impairments is crucial for devising effective interventions.
methodsThis systematic review included observational and experimental studies focusing on children under 18 years exposed to arsenic through drinking water, food, or other environmental sources. Studies were selected through comprehensive database searches, encompassing articles that measured cognitive outcomes via standardized tests. The synthesis was primarily narrative, given the heterogeneity in study designs, exposure levels, and outcomes.
resultsThe review analysed findings from 24 studies, showing a consistent inverse relationship between arsenic exposure and cognitive performance in children. Higher arsenic levels were associated with lower IQ scores, slower processing speeds, and impaired memory and language skills. These cognitive deficits were evident across diverse geographical regions and persisted even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. The studies highlighted the potential for both immediate and long-term cognitive effects, underscoring the importance of early-life exposure.
conclusionsArsenic exposure has the potential to impair cognitive development in children. Nonetheless, quantitative meta-analysis is necessary to deduce any conclusions related to its impact. Public health efforts must prioritize reducing arsenic exposure through improved water quality and community-awareness programs. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Prospero, CRD42024544442.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.