Pop, heavy metal and the blues: Secondary analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POP), heavy metals and depressive symptoms in the NHANES national epidemiological survey

Abstract

Objectives: Persistent environmental pollutants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), have a ubiquitous presence. Many of these pollutants affect neurobiological processes, either accidentally or by design. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between assayed measures of POPs and heavy metals and depressive symptoms. We hypothesised that higher levels of pollutants and metals would be associated with depressive symptoms. Setting: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants: A total of 15 140 eligible people were included across the three examined waves of NHANES. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Depressive sympto..