Threshold and sex-specific associations of prenatal low-level lead exposure with neonatal birth outcomes: a Chinese prospective birth cohort study

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the impact of low-level prenatal lead exposure on neonatal birth outcomes, focusing on sex-specific effects.
• Conducted a prospective birth cohort study in a Chinese population.
• Evaluated associations between prenatal lead exposure and neonatal head circumference.
• Assessed potential sex-specific vulnerabilities and threshold effects.
• Found reduced neonatal head circumference associated with prenatal lead exposure.
• Identified evidence of sex-specific vulnerability to lead toxicity.
• Confirmed that head circumference could be a sensitive biomarker for early lead exposure effects.