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Published online 17 February 2004 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news040216-9

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Lead linked to schizophrenia

Study hints that prenatal toxins can trigger psychiatric disease.

Babies exposed to lead in the womb may be at increased risk of developing schizophrenia as adults, US researchers have revealed.

Scientists know that toxins such as lead and alcohol can harm a mother's unborn child and trigger developmental problems during childhood.

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