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VOL. 2, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Lead poisoning, pica, and their relationship with cognitive development in children: A comprehensive review
Authors
Anisha Das, Shriya Jaiswal
Abstract
Lead poisoning
remains one of the most significant environmental health concerns affecting
children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Young
children are especially vulnerable because of their developing nervous systems
and increased gastrointestinal absorption of lead. One of the important
behavioral conditions associated with childhood lead exposure is pica,
characterized by the persistent ingestion of non-food substances such as soil,
clay, paint chips, chalk, and dust. Pica not only increases the risk of lead
exposure but is also associated with nutritional deficiencies, particularly
iron deficiency, which further enhances lead absorption. Both lead toxicity and
pica have profound consequences on cognitive development, including reduced
intelligence quotient (IQ), impaired attention, poor academic performance,
executive dysfunction, behavioral disorders, and delayed neurodevelopment.
Emerging evidence indicates a bidirectional relationship in which nutritional
deficiencies predispose children to pica, pica increases lead ingestion, and
lead toxicity further impairs cognitive function and behavioral regulation.
This review summarizes the epidemiology, sources, mechanisms, clinical
manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, and management of lead poisoning and
pica while emphasizing their combined impact on cognition. The review also
highlights current research findings, public health interventions, and future
directions aimed at reducing childhood lead exposure and improving
neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Pages:48-53
How to cite this article:
Anisha Das, Shriya Jaiswal "Lead poisoning, pica, and their relationship with cognitive development in children: A comprehensive review". World Journal of Current Research, Vol 2, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 48-53
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