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Introduction: Lead, a heavy metal originating from the tin industry in Pemali District, has polluted the waters and biota. Lead contamination has been exposed to humans, which will have an impact on women's reproductive health. This research aims to analyse the relationship between the drinking water source and aquatic animal food intake and women's blood lead levels. Materials and methods: This research uses analytical methods with a cross-sectional approach from July to October 2022 and involves a sample total of 91 women aged 30-49 years in Pemali District. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling, with the inclusion criteria being living in the research location area for ≥20 years and being willing to be a respondent. Exclusion criteria were pregnant or breastfeeding respondents and active or passive smokers. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 25 using chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: The drinking water source and aquatic animals that are most consumed are refilled drinking water depot (60.4%) and mackerel (47.3%). The bivariate test showed a significant association between protected dug wells (p=0.015), gourami (p=0.015), and cork fish (p=0.038) with the respondent's blood lead levels. Based on the multivariate test, variables influencing blood lead levels were protected dug well (OR=0.24) and gourami (OR=8.699). Conclusion: The blood Pb level measurement results showed that all respondents had blood Pb levels >10 µg/dl. Two variables significantly affect blood Pb levels: protected dug well with a negative direction (B=-1.426) and gourami with a positive direction (B=2.163). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aimed to assess blood and hair lead levels (BLL and HLL) in children with chronic constipation and compare them to healthy children; and investigated lead exposure’s role in the etiology of constipation. It also explored the correlation between BLL and HLL. Study Design. The study included 84 constipated children aged 3-18 years as the case group and an equal number of constipation-free children as controls. Organic diseases were ruled out through history-taking, physical exams and laboratory tests. Blood and hair samples were collected and analyzed for lead levels using standardized methods. Results. The constipated children group had significantly higher BLL (3.66 µg/dL) compared to the control group (1.61 µg/dL) with no significant HLL difference. Additionally, 48.8% of constipated children exceeded the reference value of 3.5 μg/dL, in contrast to 4.8% of the control group. BLL was unaffected by gender and age, while HLL were higher in girls and low ages. No significant correlation existed between BLL and HLL. The age of the housing showed a positive correlation with higher BLL and HLL. Lead exposure sources like drinking water, home renovation history, parental smoking, or nearby industrial facilities showed no significant relationships with lead levels. Conclusions. Understanding the constipation-lead exposure link is crucial for prevention and intervention. HLL may vary with gender and age due to external lead particles, which is why BLL continues to be a more reliable measure. Healthcare providers should remember to investigate lead exposure risk factors in constipation patients and test BLL when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead exposure is a well-known health concern, affecting children worldwide. We aim to assess children's blood lead levels (BLLs), and the association of risk factors with elevated BLL in children since the phase-out of leaded gasoline. We enrolled 8085 outpatient children to assess their blood lead levels, and the associations with social-demographic factors. Social-demographic information was obtained by using questionnaires. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were performed to explore the associations between social-demographic factors and elevated BLLs. The geometric mean BLL was 15.96 μg/L. The prevalence rates of elevated BLLs (≧ 100 μg/L and ≧ 50 μg/L) were 2.0 % and 10.9 %, respectively. BLLs in boys were higher than that in girls (P < 0.001). Girls had a lower risk of BLLs above 50 μg/L than boys (OR = 0.83, 95 % CI 0.71–0.96). Father's occupation as a skilled laborer or professional worker and living in the suburbs significantly contributed to the elevated BLLs (≧ 50 μg/L), with the ORs of 1.39 (1.06–1.81), 1.33 (1.01–1.75) and 1.24 (1.02–1.50), respectively. Our results suggested that children who lived in suburbs and whose fathers were skilled laborers and professional workers were more likely to have BLLs above 50 μg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo study the effect of exposure to airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on blood lead levels in residents aged 3 to 79 years in Henan province, with the aim of providing valuable insights for the prevention and control of PM2.5 air pollution. MethodsUsing stratified random sampling and a questionnaire designed by the National Institute of Environmental Health of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted face-to-face interviews and blood lead detection among 1 152 urban and rural residents aged 3 to 79 years in 8 districts/counties under the environmental pollution monitoring program in Henan province from December 2017 to January 2019. The PM2.5 concentration of the participant′s residence was obtained by matching the latitude and longitude of the home address with the high-resolution, high-quality near-surface air pollutant dataset for China (China High Air Pollutants [CHAP] dataset). The PM2.5 exposure level of the surveyed counties/districts was divided into two levels: high and low. Multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of air PM2.5 exposure on blood lead levels of the participants. ResultsThe median annual average concentration of PM2.5 at the registered home addresses of 1 114 participants was measured to be 64.56 μg/m3, while the median blood lead level was found to be 15.32 μg/L. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the participants living in areas with high exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 had an increased risk of having a high blood lead level (excessive risk [ER] = 26.05%, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 18.66% – 33.89%) compared to those living in area with low exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 ; and the increased ER of high blood level fluctuated among the participants of different age groups, with the ERs% (95%CI) of 19.41 (4.61 – 36.31), 28.01 (14.01 – 43.73), 14.89 (1.26 – 30.37), 25.79 (4.17 – 51.90), 35.00 (17.26 – 55.41), and 33.35 (16.58 – 52.54) for the participants aged 3 – 5, 6 – 11, 12 – 18, 19 – 39, 40 – 59, and 60 – 79 years, respectively. ConclusionExposure to ambient PM2.5 has a positive effect on the blood lead levels in the residents aged 3 to 79 years in Henan province and the effect varies among the residents of different ages.

Lead industries are one of the major sources of environmental pollution and can affect human through different activities, including industrial processes, metal plating, mining, battery recycling, etc. Although different studies have documented the various sources of lead exposure, studies highlighting different types of industries as sources of environmental contamination are limited. Therefore, this narrative review aims to focus mainly on lead industries as significant sources of environmental and human contamination. Based on the keywords searched in bibliographic databases we found 44 relevant articles that provided information on lead present in soil, water, and blood or all components among participants living near high-risk areas. We presented three case scenarios to highlight how lead industries have affected the health of citizens in Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. Factories conducting mining, e-waste processing, used lead-acid battery recycling, electronic repair, and toxic waste sites were the primary industries for lead exposure. Our study has shown lead exposure due to industrial activities in Vietnam, Uruguay, Malaysia and calls for attention to the gaps in strategic and epidemiologic efforts to understand sources of environmental exposure to lead fully. Developing strategies and guidelines to regulate industrial activities, finding alternatives to reduce lead toxicity and exposure, and empowering the public through various community awareness programs can play a crucial role in controlling exposure to lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study examines the population prevalence of blood lead levels (BLLs) greater than the sample median of 0.76 µg/dl in the U.S. population and investigates demographic factors associated with higher BLLs using data from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of poverty status on BLLs, with adjustments for factors such as race, age, gender, and lifetime smoking history. This study found that individuals living in or near poverty had significantly higher odds of having a BLL >0.76 µg/dl when compared with individuals not in poverty, with an adjusted OR of 1.824 (95% CI [1.324, 2.513]) and 1.744 (95% CI [1.388, 2.190]), respectively. This nationally representative study has important implications for understanding the demographic and socioeconomic factors that affect BLLs in the U.S. population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental caries has declined over the years, but it remains a major public health issue. This review aimed to investigate the association between lead (Pb) and caries experience in either deciduous or permanent teeth. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published up until December 2022. Included were human observational studies that investigated the association between Pb exposure and dental caries. The review adhered to the PRISMA guideline. Results: Sixteen studies were included in this review, with nine focusing on deciduous teeth, thirteen on permanent teeth, and six examining both types of teeth. Most of the studies (5 of 6) found a positive association between blood lead (PbB) levels and caries in deciduous teeth, while the findings for permanent teeth were less conclusive, with only 3 of 10 studies finding an association. One of the two studies assessing salivary lead levels found a weak association for permanent teeth. All four studies that measured Pb concentration from teeth found a positive association for both deciduous and permanent teeth. Conclusion: Many published studies have indicated a positive association between Pb exposure and caries experience in deciduous dentition. Children with elevated PbB level should be considered having higher caries experience. Due to lack of consensus on measurement and examination technique, there remains insufficient evidence to make any definitive conclusions, especially in permanent dentition, and so more studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opium abuse and exposure to heavy metals elevate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between opium abuse and blood lead levels (BLLs) and the CAD complexity. We evaluated patients with acute coronary symptoms who underwent coronary angiography, and those with >50% stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries were included. Furthermore, Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery I (SYNTAX I) score and BLLs were measured. Based on the opium abuse, 95 patients were subdivided into opium (45) and control (50) groups. Differences in demographics and CAD risk factors were insignificant between the two groups. The median BLLs were remarkably higher in the opium group than in controls (36 (35.7) and 20.5 μg/dL (11.45), respectively, p = 0.003). We also revealed no significant differences in SYNTAX score between the two groups (15.0 (9.0) and 17.5 (14.0), respectively, p = 0.28). Additionally, we found no significant correlation between BLLs and the SYNTAX scores (p = 0.277 and r = -0.113). Opium abuse was associated with high BLLs. Neither opium abuse nor high BLLs were correlated with the complexity of CAD. Further studies are warranted to establish better the relationship between opium abuse, BLLs, and CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: With the growth of the world's economy and industrialization, lead (Pb) contamination in the environment has become a major issue on a global scale. Lead is typically linked to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, low birth weight preterm, and spontaneous abortion. In this study, we evaluated the blood lead levels of pregnant women and their birth outcomes attending an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital, those who were not exposed to any lead-associated industry or shops. Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate blood lead estimation in pregnant women and umbilical blood lead levels in a community hospital. Blood samples from 104 mothers during the 1st trimester, 90 mothers during 3rd trimester, and from the umbilical cord were collected. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demographics, medical history, and concerns linked to pregnancy. Following acid digestion, the levels of lead in whole blood were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The DNA damage in high blood lead-concentrated pregnant women was evaluated by comet assay methods. Results: Among 194 blood samples of pregnant women, 31 (15.98%) samples revealed ≥5 µg/dL blood lead levels. High lead concentration (≥5 μg/dL) in 1st trimester pregnant women, end of 3rd trimester and cord blood were detected 20.19%, 11.11% and 1.11% respectively. The mean blood lead levels in 1st trimester, 3rd trimester, and cord blood were 3.88 ± 3.19, 2.66 ± 1.82, and 1.53 ± 1.06 mg/dL, respectively. The blood lead concentrations were significantly higher in the 1st trimester of pregnancy than in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.0017). A positive correlation between maternal and infant blood lead levels was revealed (P < 0.0001). When the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic consequences of elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy, higher amounts of DNA damage were found in the samples (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In this descriptive study, there was a significant amount of lead transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. All mothers were not exposed to lead-associated industry and most were housewives. This article may be viewed as an eye-opener for understanding the blood lead concentration during pregnancy to avoid abnormal birth outcomes. To minimize exposure to environmental lead, all possible measures should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lead is a highly toxic metal. Multiple lead exposures produce serious poisoning and sometimes fatality because lead builds up slowly in the exposed body. Signs of repeated exposure to lead are high blood pressure, numbness or tingling of the extremities, memory loss, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who attended to medical city hospital. The study was conducted from January 2 to May 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were by involved adults ≥30 years old with CKD of both genders. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured for all patients according to the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Whole blood samples were taken to measure lead levels in the Toxicology Center of Baghdad Medical City. The collection of data was done by interview using a special questionnaire. Verbal consent was taken as an ethical issue by each participant in the study. Results: A total of 315 CKD patients were involved. The mean blood lead level was 24.62 µg/dL, the range was between 15 µg/dL, and 33 µg/dL for both genders, which is higher than the cut point of 10 µg/dL depended in this study. About 38.4%, and 30.8% of patients had GFR (15--29 mL/ min/1.73 m2), and (<15) mL/min/1.73 m2 and they were considered as stage 4 and 5 CKD patients, respectively. Conclusions: Lead level in blood and GFR had a significant association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal and its long-term accumulation in human bodies can lead to serious diseases. Investigation on Pb exposure provides an effective intervention opportunity to reduce the blood lead levels (BLLs) of the populations. Although the phase-out of the gasoline has been conducted in many developing countries (e.g., China), the BLLs of these populations are still higher than the alert BLL (5.0 μg/dL) set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of USA (CDC). Here, we reviewed the BLLs of the populations in different countries and summarized the sources and intake pathways of blood Pb which were associated with dietary Pb intake and non-dietary Pb intake. Extensive progress has been made in the studies of soil biogeochemistry and the plant biological processes, including the effects of soil pH, redox potential, Fe/Mn oxides, and organic matter on the availability of soil Pb, as well as the mechanisms regulating the Pb absorption by plant root and transport from root to shoot. The oral-nasal respiration and skin infiltration pathways have been specifically identified as the main causes of the increased BLLs of the populations exposed to different Pb sources. In the developing countries, complex dietary and non-dietary Pb intakes increase the BLLs, making intervention strategies to reduce BLLs difficult. This review provides a systematic understanding in the processes and mechanisms of Pb intake from environment to human blood and helps to guide safe strategies to reduce the BLLs and enhance human health.

Abstract Opium abuse and exposure to heavy metals elevate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between opium abuse and blood lead levels (BLLs) and the CAD complexity. We evaluated patients with acute coronary symptoms who underwent coronary angiography, and those with >50% stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries were included. Furthermore, Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery I (SYNTAX I) score and BLLs were measured. Based on the opium abuse, 95 patients were subdivided into opium (45) and control (50) groups. Differences in demographics and CAD risk factors were insignificant between the two groups. The median BLLs were remarkably higher in the opium group than in controls (36 (35.7) and 20.5 μg/dL (11.45), respectively, p = 0.003). We also revealed no significant differences in SYNTAX score between the two groups (15.0 (9.0) and 17.5 (14.0), respectively, p = 0.28). Additionally, we found no significant correlation between BLLs and the SYNTAX scores (p = 0.277 and r = −0.113). Opium abuse was associated with high BLLs. Neither opium abuse nor high BLLs were correlated with the complexity of CAD. Further studies are warranted to establish better the relationship between opium abuse, BLLs, and CAD.

Background: Lead (Pb), a ubiquitous environmental toxin linked with various illnesses, including hypertension (HTN). Though preclinical models have proposed various mechanisms, few epidemiological studies explored the operative pathway(s) demonstrating HTN associated with chronic Pb exposure. The present study examined the association between occupational Pb exposure and hypertension, while also investigating the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in this association. Methods: Occupationally Pb-exposed individuals recruited in the study during their periodic medical examination. Demographic details were collected by pre-standardized semi-structured questionnaires. Blood-Pb levels (BLL) were determined using microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP-MS. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a pre-calibrated digital BP instrument. The role of the RAS was investigated among Pb-exposed workers (BLL ≥40 μg/dL) with (group-1 with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) and without (group-2 with BP

Background: Lead is toxic to children and effects the cognitive development. The primary objective was to assess the association of blood lead level (BLL) with cognitive performance and general intelligence, of urban school going children aged 6–16 years from ten cities of India. Secondary objective was to assess the association of anaemia with cognitive performance and general intelligence. Method: In this cross-sectional multicentric study, general intelligence was assessed by colored progressive matrices (CPM)/standard progressive matrices (SPM) test, visual-spatial ability through coding, attention and concentration ability through digit span and working memory through arithmetic tests. Blood samples of participants were collected to assess lead levels. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric measures were also collected. Results: From April 2019–February 2020, 2247 participants with equal gender distribution were enrolled from 60 schools. The median (IQR) BLL was 8.8 (4.8, 16.4) μg/dl. We found that BLL was significantly associated with attention and concentration ability and 1 μg/dl increase in BLL decreases the performance by odds of 1.02 (95 % CI 1.01–1.03). Anaemia is found to be associated with ‘borderline or dull normal’ performance for general intelligence [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.93 (95 % CI 1.53–2.45)], visual-spatial [AOR = 1.35 (95 % CI 1.03–1.76)], attention and concentration [AOR = 1.30 (95 % CI 1.02–1.66)], working memory [AOR = 1.69 (95 % CI 1.34–2.12)] abilities. Conclusion: Since increasing BLL decreases cognitive performance and anaemia decreased both cognitive performance and intelligence, attempts must be made to keep BLL as low as possible and prevent exposure in school going children.

Introduction: Lead is a known toxicant that affects all tissues in the body, most notably the brains of developing children. However, there are limited data on the dynamics of lead transfer via breastmilk and its short-term and long-term consequences. Much of the available data come from areas of the world where numerous sources of lead complicate our understanding of the effects of lead exposure via breast milk., Case Presentation: We present trends in blood lead levels in a breastfeeding dyad, where the only source of lead exposure identified was prior to pregnancy, without other known ongoing lead exposures for the lactating parent or infant., Discussion and Conclusions: In this case, all lead exposure in the infant was presumed to come from in utero transmission and breastfeeding; and infant blood lead levels varied significantly with initiation and interruption of breastfeeding. This case is discussed in the context of current models for predicting transfer of lead in breastmilk and highlights pathophysiologic considerations for understanding lead transfer in the breastfeeding dyad., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Lead poisoning contributes to a significant burden of disease as a toxic substance found in air, soil, and water. In Indonesia, the risk of exposure is high due to the inappropriate recycling of used lead batteries. The objective was to investigate the factors that influence lead levels in children's blood. This cross-sectional study assessed blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 12–59 months in four communities exposed to used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) recycling activities, comparing them to a control area. The study employed a threshold level of 20 μg/dL to identify high BLLs and utilized a sample size of 324 children from exposed sites and 240 from control sites. Questionnaires, blood lead tests and a home-based assessment for environmental exposures were applied. The study participants comprised 295 boys and 269 girls, with an average age of 35 months. Significant disparities in soil lead concentrations median: Q1-Q3 were found between exposed (6581.7 : 2432.6–16647.1) ppm and control areas (253.5 : 158.8–417.1) ppm. Children in exposed areas had 3.9 times higher odds of BLL ≥20 μg/dL. Fathers with BLL ≥20 μg/dL had children with similarly elevated BLLs. Multivariate analysis identified socioeconomic status, study areas, environmental factors (cookware, food ware, spices, house cleaning), and children's behavior (breastfeeding duration) as determinants of elevated BLLs. Reported environmental factors had notable impact on BLLs, with aluminum cookware (aOR = 1.4, 95%CI [1.2–1.6]), food ware materials (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI [1.0–1.3]), type of spices (aOR = 2.7, 95%CI [1.7–48.0]), and house cleaning method (aOR = 2.9, 95%CI [1.2–7.1]). This study highlighted key risk factors affecting children's blood lead levels (BLL) and emphasized the urgency of employing effective strategies to remediate lead-contaminated soils in exposed regions. The findings underscore the need for prompt medical intervention and monitoring for children in these areas, with additional research essential to fully understand lead poisoning pathways in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opium abuse and exposure to heavy metals elevate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between opium abuse and blood lead levels (BLLs) and the CAD complexity. We evaluated patients with acute coronary symptoms who underwent coronary angiography, and those with >50% stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries were included. Furthermore, Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery I (SYNTAX I) score and BLLs were measured. Based on the opium abuse, 95 patients were subdivided into opium (45) and control (50) groups. Differences in demographics and CAD risk factors were insignificant between the two groups. The median BLLs were remarkably higher in the opium group than in controls (36 (35.7) and 20.5 μg/dL (11.45), respectively, p = 0.003). We also revealed no significant differences in SYNTAX score between the two groups (15.0 (9.0) and 17.5 (14.0), respectively, p = 0.28). Additionally, we found no significant correlation between BLLs and the SYNTAX scores (p = 0.277 and r = -0.113). Opium abuse was associated with high BLLs. Neither opium abuse nor high BLLs were correlated with the complexity of CAD. Further studies are warranted to establish better the relationship between opium abuse, BLLs, and CAD., (© 2024 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)