Association between Heavy-Metal Exposure and the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

Parker Woody, Brigham Young University
Dawson Hedges, Brigham Young University

Keywords

heavy-metal exposure, digit-symbol substitution test, cross-sectional study, DSST

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Heavy metals in the environment are a serious concern. One of the most widely known and studied neurotoxins is lead. For many years it was put into gasoline and paint in the US until it was discovered that it lead to developmental defects and affected cognitive functioning. There is a concern that other heavy metals could have adverse effects as well. Much research has focused on exposure to heavy metals in those exposed to abnormally high levels, such as those found in occupational exposures. Very little has been done examining heavy metal levels in the body such as those that might be found in the general population. According to the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals published in 2009, the adverse health affects of many heavy metals at low concentrations is unknown.

Recommended Citation

Woody, Parker and Hedges, Dawson (2014) "Association between Heavy-Metal Exposure and the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 251.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/251