Main and interaction effects of metal pollutants on visual-motor performance.

This study investigated possible relationships of metal levels and metal combinations with children's visual-motor performance. Hair-metal concentrations of lead, arsenic, methylmercury, cadmium, and aluminum were determined in 69 randomly selected elementary age children. They were also administered the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test. Parents of subjects were interviewed to control for confounding variables that might affect cognitive development. Regression data indicated that increases in aluminum and the interaction of aluminum with lead were significantly related to decreased visual-motor performance. Because metal levels and metal combinations previously thought harmless may be associated with visual-motor deficits, a continuing reexamination of metal poisoning concentrations is needed.