AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The overall aims of the study are: (1) to identify the predictors of Pb, Cd and Hg levels in pregnancy with a view to providing advice and interventions that will minimise exposure at this vulnerable time; (2) to identify the predictive value of maternal levels in a variety of childhood outcomes up to the age of age 18 years. This will include a study of the effects of maternal genetics and epigenetics in modifying these relationships. All analyses will involves initial work in identifying and taking into account relevant confounders to determine the features of the mothers' backgrounds that are related to exposure to Pb, Cd or Hg exposure (e.g. age, educational levels, occupational exposure, smoking history, exposure to passive smoking, dietary components, etc.). Results will be presented as odds ratios or effect sizes with confidence intervals, and in unadjusted and adjusted models if appropriate. The complex causal analyses will be undertaken in consultation with Professor George Davey Smith (Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Bristol).