Metals, hormones and sexual maturation in Flemish adolescents in three cross-sectional studies, (2002-2015)

Abstract: Sex hormone levels and timing of sexual maturation are considered important markers for health status of adolescents in puberty, and previous research suggests they might be influenced by metal exposure. In three campaigns of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS I 20022006; FLEHS II 20072011 and FLEHS III 20122015), data were collected on internal exposure to metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr, Mn, Tl, Ni, Sb, Hg, As and As species) and sexual maturation in 2671 1415 years old adolescents. All metals were measured in blood and/or urine, except total- and methylmercury which were measu... Mehr ...