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Objectives. To compare blood lead levels (BLLs) among children residing in public and private housing in New York City and examine the implications for lead identification and remediation policies. Methods. We examined electronic medical records for BLLs among 4693 children receiving care at a multisite Federally Qualified Health Center during 2003 to 2017. We plotted home addresses against city housing data to assess BLL differences between children living in public housing and private housing. Results. Only 0.25% of children residing in public housing had BLLs exceeding the upper reference limit of 5 micrograms per deciliter, as compared with 2.76% of children residing in private housing. After adjustment for age, gender, and race/ethnicity, public housing was associated with 92% lower odds of having a BLL of 5 micrograms per deciliter or above (odds ratio [OR] = 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02, 0.33; P =.001). Decreases in BLLs were observed in both public and private housing over time. Conclusions. Children living in public housing in New York City were significantly less likely to have elevated BLLs than were children living in private housing. Decreases in BLLs over time were likely a result of lead reduction legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess the prevalence of and the demographic factors for elevated blood lead level (EBLL; ≥ 5 µg/dL) at resettlement among newly admitted refugee children. Methods. This cross-sectional study used data from the postresettlement refugee medical screening of 5661 children resettled in Ohio from 2009 to 2016. We computed prevalence of EBLL and adjusted prevalence ratio with modified Poisson regression modeling. Results. Overall, 22.3% of children younger than 18 years and 27.1% of those younger than 6 years had an EBLL. Children resettled from a South Asia region including Afghanistan (EBLL prevalence = 56.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 48.1%, 64.3%), Nepal (44.0%; 95% CI = 33.7%, 54.1%), Bhutan (32.8%; 95% CI = 30.4%, 35.9%), and Burma (31.8%; 95% CI = 27.5%, 35.9%) had the highest prevalence of EBLLs. In addition, those younger than 6 years (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.6), male (PR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.4), and screened within 30 days of arrival (PR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1, 2.5) had significantly higher EBLL prevalence than did children aged 13 years and older, female, and screened 90 days after arrival. Conclusions. The overall high proportion of EBLL and variation in EBLL by country of origin among resettled refugee children in the United States warrant comprehensive, yet tailored, guidelines for health professionals and resettlement and government agencies for better prevention and awareness programs targeting these high-risk children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Biomarkers of the reproductive and neuro-developmental toxicants mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have been found at higher concentrations in women born outside Canada than in Canadian-born women. We measured blood Hg, Pb and Cd in women ages 19 to 45 years living in greater Vancouver (Canada) within five years of their arrival from South Asia (India) or East Asia (mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) and related their biomarker concentration levels with exposures and behaviors since their coming to Canada. Methods Participants were recruited through advertisements in relevant ethnic media, locations and groups. Concentrations of blood Hg, Pb and Cd were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-Q-MS) and compared with population values. Biomarker concentrations were regressed against exposures and behaviors assessed by culturally-relevant questionnaire. Results The study recruited 53 South and 111 East Asian women. Median (95th percentile) blood Pb in South Asians was 1.15 (2.71) μg/dL compared with 1.01 (1.81) μg/dL in East Asians. On the other hand, blood Hg at 2.5 (7.3) μg/L was higher in East Asians compared to 0.20 (0.83) μg/L in South Asians. Blood Cd was also higher in the East Asian group: East 0.53 (1.1) μg/L; South 0.27 (0.82) μg/L. Higher blood Hg was associated with seafood consumption, dental amalgams and traditional remedies; blood Pb with home renovations, sucking on metal jewelry, and cosmetics. Blood Pb and Cd concentrations were inversely associated with dairy consumption. Conclusions Asian women recently arrived in Vancouver had higher blood Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations than same-age Canadian women measured in a national survey. Among South Asian newcomer women of reproductive age, exposure to Cd may continue after arrival. Local exposures to Hg occur through seafood and potentially through ingestion of imported traditional remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pennsylvania Department of Health unpublished data at the ZIP code level were analyzed to determine the geographic patterns for elevated blood lead levels in children 0-6 years of age for Berks County. A distinct departure from the conclusions of other research was that whites had the highest percent confirmed elevated levels, especially for Reading. Old housing and female-headed households were found to be important correlates of elevated lead levels. Data at the census tract level should be examined to obtain more precise insight to the gender, race, and ethnicity differences for lead levels among Berks County's children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of motorized vehicles In Indonesia amounted 114,209,360 units throughout the country in 2015 which was a 15% increase from the total number in 2016. Despite showing a good economic growth, it also poses some negative impacts. Road accident is the third leading cause of death in Indonesia. The most number of casualties and losses suffered is mostly caused by road accidents involving buses. The increase of vehicle also caused high pollution such as lead (Pb) especially in metropolitan cities and those who are prone to this are the people working every day on the roads. This research examined lead (Pb) levels in the air on 5 traffic congestion points in Surabaya and in the blood with and 11 Surabaya city bus drivers as the samples. The measurement of lead (Pb) levels in the air and in the blood applied AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) method. The measurement of Pb levels in the air was conducted 3 times for each traffic congestion point. For blood lead level, the measurement was only conducted 1 time in the afternoon after the bus drivers completed their activities. Age and daily smoking frequencies were the measured variables suspected to affect the lead concentration on the blood. The research result showed that the highest Pb concentration in the air was found to be consistent in the afternoon at five traffic congestion points while the data of blood lead level examination revealed that 8 out of 11 city bus drivers had high Pb concentration on their blood which exceeded the allowed threshold point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses actions that can be taken to improve the health of children with elevated blood levels (BLLs). The article examines recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the process of chelating children with high BLLs, and government-mandated screening programs for children to test exposure to lead and BLLs.EBSCO Publishing created [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: This study investigated the metal distribution in blood samples from the general population and the risk of having high metal concentration for metal workers.Methods: Metal concentrations were determined in archived blood samples from 1411 men and 1410 women (median age 59 and 57 years, respectively) collected at baseline (2000-2003) of the prospective Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. Retrospective information on working in metal industry was obtained from previous follow-up survey (2011-2014). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of having a metal concentration >90th percentile (P90) for working in metal industry were calculated using logistic regression with adjustment for covariates.Results: More men than women worked in metal industry (57 vs. 3 at baseline). Male metal workers had increased blood lead (Pb) (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.38-5.91) and manganese (Mn) (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.46-5.81). Smoking (≥30 cigarettes/day) strongly influenced cadmium (Cd) in blood (OR: 168; 95% CI: 55-510). Women had higher Mn (8.92μg/L) and Cd (0.36μg/L) concentrations than men (Mn: 8.11μg/L; Cd: 0.29μg/L). Blood Pb in women (29.2μg/L) was lower than in men (33.2μg/L). None of the studied risk factors was significantly associated with chromium and nickel concentrations above their 90th percentiles.Conclusions: In this population-based cohort we found evidence that working in metal industry was predictive for having elevated blood Pb and Mn concentrations. However, the 95th percentiles of all investigated metals were not significantly influenced by metal-related occupations. The present study is supportive for gender-specific reference values to limit occupational exposure to Mn and Pb. The strong influence of smoking on blood Cd hinders establishing reference values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood lead levels of American children probably peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, thereafter declining sharply because of the mandated removal of lead from gasoline. Blood lead is associated with declining IQ, but puzzlingly, measured IQ of American children increased in the decades when lead was added to gas as well as in decades after it was removed. No level of blood lead is considered safe, but to put in perspective the alarming levels reported recently in Flint, MI, these are far lower than lead levels common in American children during the 1970s, and if there are consequent declines in IQ, they would be small. Flint, certainly not the worst lead contaminated area of the nation, was given inordinate attention by The New York Times beginning in January 2016, creating a national alarm as well as panic among Flint residents, already suffering the problems of a poor and degrading city. In early 2016, increasing news coverage 'rode the waves' of the presidential primaries and the Black Lives Matter movement, then largely dropped from public attention by the summer, perhaps lessening the political pressure to relieve Flint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a technique for the fast screening of the lead concentration in whole blood samples using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The whole blood sample is deposited on a polymeric surface and wiped across a set of micro-grooves previously engraved into the surface. The engraving of the micro-grooves was accomplished with the same laser system used for LA-ICP-MS analysis. In each groove, a part of the liquid blood is trapped, and thus, the sample is divided into sub-aliquots. These aliquots dry quasi instantly and are then investigated by means of LA-ICP-MS. For quantification, external calibration against aqueous standard solutions was relied on, with iron as an internal standard to account for varying volumes of the sample aliquots. The Pb/Fe nuclide ratio used for quantification was obtained via a data treatment protocol so far only used in the context of isotope ratio determination involving transient signals. The method presented here was shown to provide reliable results for Recipe ClinChek® Whole Blood Control levels I-III (nos. 8840-8842), with a repeatability of typically 3 % relative standard deviation ( n = 6, for Pb at 442 μg L). Spiked and non-spiked real whole blood was analysed as well, and the results were compared with those obtained via dilution and sectorfield ICP-MS. A good agreement between both methods was observed. The detection limit (3 s) for lead in whole blood was established to be 10 μg L for the laser ablation method presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally crocodilians have received little attention with regard to the effects of lead toxicity despite their trophic status as apex, generalist predators that utilize both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, thereby exposing them to a potentially wide range of environmental contaminants. During July-October 2010 we collected whole blood from 34 sub-adult and adult free-ranging Nile crocodiles ( Crocodylus niloticus) from three separate populations in northeastern South Africa in order to analyze their blood lead concentrations (BPb). Concentrations ranged from below detectability (<3 μg/dL, n = 8) to 960 μg/dL for an adult male at the Lake St Lucia Estuary. Blood lead concentrations averaged 8.15 μg/dL (SD = 7.47) for females and 98.10 μg/dL (SD = 217.42) for males. Eighteen individuals (53 %) had elevated BPbs (≥10 μg/dL). We assessed 12 general linear models using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and found no significant statistical effects among the parameters of sex, crocodile size and population sampled. On average, crocodiles had higher BPbs at Lake St Lucia than at Ndumo Game Reserve or Kosi Bay, which we attribute to lead sinker ingestion during normal gastrolith acquisition. No clinical effects of lead toxicosis were observed in these crocodiles, even though the highest concentration (960 μg/dL) we report represents the most elevated BPb recorded to date for a free-ranging vertebrate. Although we suggest adult Nile crocodiles are likely tolerant of elevated Pb body burdens, experimental studies on other crocodilian species suggest the BPb levels reported here may have harmful or fatal effects to egg development and hatchling health. In light of recent Nile crocodile nesting declines in South Africa we urge further BPb monitoring and ecotoxicology research on reproductive females and embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) can be released from the maternal skeleton during pregnancy and lactation and transferred to the infant. Most support for this hypothesis comes from blood Pb (PbB) studies involving limited sampling during pregnancy, the maximum usually being five samplings, including at delivery. We provide longitudinal data for PbB concentrations and Pb isotopic ratios for three cohorts of pregnant females ( n = 31), two of which are based on monthly sampling and the other on quarterly sampling. We also provide data for samples collected post-partum. The data are compared with changes observed in a matched, by country and age, non-pregnant control cohort ( n = 5). The monthly data illustrate the variability between subjects, which is also apparent when the data are compared on a trimester basis. Mixed model analyses showed that, in the third trimester, the mean PbB level was significantly lower for women ( n = 10) who took a calcium (Ca) supplement (PbB 1.6 µg/dL) than those whose Ca intake was low (low-Ca cohort; n = 15; PbB 2.5 µg/dL) because low Ca means more mobilisation is required for homoeostasis so that more Pb was mobilised from the skeleton. For women who took the supplement, post-partum PbB levels were significantly higher than those in the other periods (2.7 vs 1.4-1.6 µg/dL). For women in the low-Ca cohort, PbB levels were higher at post-partum than in pre-pregnancy and in the first and second trimesters (3.1 vs 1.8 µg/dL), while the levels in the third trimester were higher than those in the first and second trimesters. Importantly, the increase in PbB during gestation was delayed until the third trimester in the Ca-supplemented cohort compared with the low-Ca cohort. Regression analysis showed that the changes over trimester were very similar for PbB and the Pb/Pb ratio providing convincing evidence for extra mobilisation of Pb from the maternal skeleton during pregnancy and lactation. Isotopic ratios in the cord blood samples were similar to those in the maternal blood samples taken prior to parturition with an R 0.94 for the migrant subjects and R 0.74 for Australian subjects for Pb/Pb ratios, supporting the concept of placental transfer of mobilised skeletal stores of Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is justification for limiting lead (Pb) exposure as much as possible, given its impact on health at low concentrations. Consequently, the aim of this study was to measure blood lead levels (BLL) and examine exposure factors related to BLL variations in the general adult population of northern France, a current and past industrial area. Two thousand inhabitants of northern France, aged between 20 and 59 years, were recruited using the quota method with caution. Blood lead levels were quantified by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and variation factors were studied separately in men and women using multivariate stepwise linear and logistic regression models. The geometric mean of the BLL was 18.8 μg/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.3–19.3). Occupational factors affected BLL only in men and represented 14% of total explained variance of BLL. External occupational factors significantly increasing mean levels of BLL were tobacco, consumption of some beverages (wine, coffee, tea, and/or tap water), raw vegetables, housing characteristics (built prior to 1948, Pb piping in the home) and do-it-yourself or leisure activities (paint stripping or rifle shooting). Consumption habits accounted together for 25% and 18% of the total explained variance, respectively, in men and women. Industrial environment did not significantly contribute to BLL variations. Blood lead levels observed in the general population of this industrial part of France did not appear to be excessively elevated compared to values found internationally. Nonetheless, these BLL remain a public health issue in regard to nonthreshold toxicity attributed to Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To evaluate blood lead levels (BLLs) and possible influencing factors among children and adolescents in Lu’an, we collected blood samples of 3266 outpatients aged 1–18 years from January 2012 to December 2014 and BLLs were determined by atomizer absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the geometric mean (GM) of BLLs was 29.53 μg/L (95% CI: 29.00–30.06 μg/L) and the prevalence of BLLs ≥50 and 100 μg/L were 17.7% and 0.2%, respectively. The GM BLLs and prevalence of BLLs ≥50 μg/L were increased with age before 7 years old and then slightly decreased, and, contrary to previous studies, they were the highest at Jan–Feb and the lowest at Sep–Oct. From 2012 to 2014, the GM BLLs were significantly increased ( P < 0.001) while the prevalence of BLLs ≥50 μg/L was decreased but with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). These results suggested that although the BLLs of Lu’an children were lower than most areas of China and several neighboring cities as previously reported, they were still higher than that of developed countries. Meanwhile, the GM BLLs of children and adolescents from Lu’an have a trend of increase in recent years. A lot of future works need to be done to identify the risk factors for lead exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole Blood Lead Level (BLL) is the main marker used to verify lead contamination. The present study explores how BLL is associated with lead concentrations in serum, saliva and house dust. Samples were collected twice from Santo Amaro, BA, Brazil, a region that was contaminated by a lead smelter in the past; a time interval of 12 months was allowed between the two collections. It is noteworthy that the following measures have recently been taken to diminish exposure of the population to lead: streets have been paved with asphalt, and educational campaigns have been launched to reduce exposure to contaminated dust. Results: Compared with the first time point, all the samples collected at the second time point contained lower lead concentration ( p <0.05), which suggested that the adopted measures effectively reduced exposure of the population to lead present in contaminated soil and dust. Statistically significant correlations only existed between lead in blood collected in the first year and lead in blood collected in the second year (Spearman's r =0.55; p <0.0001; n =62), and lead in house dust collected in the first year and lead in house dust collected in the second year (Spearman's r =0.5; p <0.0001; n =59). Conclusions: Results support the validity of lead determination in blood and in house dust to assess lead exposure over time. However, lead in blood and lead in dust did not correlate with lead in serum or lead in saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the δALAD activity and δALAD ratio in blood of four free-living bird species (Griffon vulture, Eagle owl, Slender-billed gull and Audouin’s gull); (2) and to investigate the correlations between δALAD activity/ratio and Pb concentrations in blood samples. A decrease was observed in δALAD activity in Griffon vultures and Eagle owls exposed to Pb. In addition, negative relationships were found between δALAD ratio or δALAD activity and Log blood Pb levels in Griffon vultures and Eagle owls, and these relationships were stronger in areas with the highest Pb exposure. We provide equations that may be helpful to estimate δALAD activity and δALAD ratio using blood Pb concentrations. Regarding gull species, δALAD activity found in the present study may be considered the normal activity in Slender-billed gull and Audouin’s gull species, since very low blood Pb concentrations and no correlations were found in these species. Although both δALAD activity and δALAD ratio are sensitive biomarkers of Pb exposure and effect in birds, the use of δALAD ratio may improve the results. Besides, this study provides blood threshold concentrations at which Pb bears effects on δALAD enzyme (5 µg/dl in Eagle owl; 8 µg/dl in Griffon vulture; and probably >2 µg/dl in Slender-billed gull and Audouin’s gull). Our findings show that Eagle owl seems to be more sensitive to δALAD enzymatic inhibition by Pb than Griffon vultures. Eagle owls and Griffon vultures exhibited up to 79% and 94% decrease in δALAD activity when blood Pb concentrations exceeded 19 and 30 µg/dl, respectively. Regarding the effects related with δALAD inhibition, significant negative correlations were found between δALAD activity and hematocrit in Eagle owls and Griffon vultures, which may be related to compensatory response associated with a decrease in δALAD activity. In addition, an effect on creatine kinase activity and total proteins in plasma was found in Griffon vultures. The significant negative correlations found between δALAD activity and tGSH in Griffon vulture, and between δALAD activity and Log CAT activity in Eagle owls, may be related to a protective response of antioxidant system against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The negative relationship found between δALAD activity and TBARS levels in Griffon vulture is probably related to an induction of lipid peroxidation by ROS that may be generated by δALA accumulation when δALAD activity is depressed. δALAD activity and δALAD ratio in blood are suggested as important nondestructive biomarkers for Pb exposure and effect for future biomonitoring studies in Griffon vulture and Eagle owl. Further studies are recommended to provide new data on Pb concentrations at which δALAD activity is affected in different wild bird species and to elucidate why different species tolerate Pb in different ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitation of blood lead was done by a direct method that was developed and validated being easy and simple with rapid high-performance. Lead being an environmental pollutant and lead exposure being a preventable risk that exists in the Pakistani coastal areas. The calibration curve was showed a good linear relationship with r2=0.99 of the concentration range as 5-10 μg/dl in linear regression analysis data. International guidelines as well as on the basis of results of the inter laboratory Comparative study (ILC) conducted by the Center for Diseases Control (CDC) to validate the lab developed method of direct estimation of blood Lead. The minimum detectable amount was found to be 5μg/dl. The LoD (lower limit of detection) of this method was 10ppb. Significant conclusion of the data analysis was proved method precision, accuracy, reproducibility, and selectivity to estimate blood Lead. Thus this method could be employed for the estimation of Lead in routine laboratory diagnosis at commercial level testing with confidence. During ILC testing the 10μg/dl BLL was not recognized by CDC as threshold for lead harmful effects and the preliminary data of the present research started in 2009 in the coastal villages of Karachi has also strengthened this evidence. It was observed that <10μg/dl BLL may have impact on villager's physical and mental development. Average estimated value of BLL was 5.5μg/dl in blood samples of 24 villagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We monitored 108 children ≤5 years on a 6-month basis for up to 5 years in a major urban setting. Samples (n ∼ 7000) included blood, urine, handwipes (interior, and after exterior playing), 6-day duplicate diet, drinking water, interior house and day care dust-fall accumulation using petri dishes, exterior dust-fall accumulation, exterior dust sweepings, paint, soil and urban air. The geometric mean blood Pb (PbB) was 2.1 μg/dL and blood Mn (MnB) was 10.0 μg/L. Following a path modelling approach, mixed model analyses for a fully adjusted model showed the strongest associations for PbB were with interior house dust and soil; for MnB there were no significant associations with any predictors. Predictor variables only explained 9% of the variance for Pb and 0.7% for Mn. Relationships between environmental measures and PbB in children are not straightforward; soil and dust sweepings contribute only about 1/5th of the amounts to PbB found in other studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides the first baseline information on a national scale regarding lead exposure in the Spanish adult population. Blood lead levels were measured in a representative sample of the Spanish working population (1880 subjects aged 18–65 years) in order to help establish reference levels, follow temporal trends, identify high-exposure groups and to enable comparisons with other countries. All participants completed an epidemiological questionnaire including gender, age, occupational sector, geographic area, and dietary and lifestyle information. We found that the geometric mean of blood lead levels in the study population was 24.0μg/L (95% CI: 23.0–25.1μg/L), with women having significantly lower levels than men, 19.5μg/L (18.5–20.5μg/L) compared to 28.3μg/L (26.7–30.0μg/L), respectively. Mean blood lead levels were higher in elder groups in both genders. Women of a childbearing age had blood levels of 18.0μg/L (GM). Reference values (95%) for lead in blood in the studied population was 56.80μg/L, with −64.00μg/L, 44.80μg/L and 36.00μg/L for man, women and women of childbearing age, respectively. Workers from the service sector had lower blood lead levels than those from the construction, agricultural and industry sectors. Small, although significant, geographical differences had been found. In an European comparison, the Spanish population studied herein had lead levels similar to populations in countries such as France and Belgium, and slightly lower levels than Italian, Czech, German or UK populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2009 we investigated exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in 80 women aged 50-59 in an urban area of Poland. Blood levels of lead, cadmium, and total mercury were used as biomarkers. The participants completed an extended questionnaire to identify potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, and nutritional correlates for the concentration of metals in the blood. The geometric means in the study population were: 21.5 µg/l (95% CI 20-23) for blood lead, 0.67 µg/l (95% CI 0.56-0.79) for blood cadmium, and 0.75 µg/l (95% CI 0.64-0.87) for total mercury in the blood. Regression analyses revealed that the increased lead levels in the blood were significantly associated with BMI values under 25 kg/m², being postmenopausal, smoking habits, the use of heating sources other than electricity or centrally heated buildings, and frequent or constant trucks passing through a residential area. The levels of cadmium in the blood were significantly higher in subjects who smoked cigarettes and decreased as education increased. Fish consumption and the number of teeth containing amalgam were the only factors that were significantly associated with blood mercury levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reproductive system is one of the organs that are affected by lead. Lead can cause loss of libido and fertility in men, and menstrual disturbances and spontaneous abortion in woman. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was assessment of dose-response relationship between blood lead level (BLL) and sex hormones levels in lead exposed male workers. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirteen male workers enrolled. All workers had at least 6 months of lead exposure and no history of diseases or conditions affecting reproductive system. Blood lead level and hormones levels measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer and radioimmunoassay method, respectively. Results: Average duration of exposure was 15.92±6.95 years. Mean BLL was 41.41μg/dl±16.99. All of the sex hormones values were in normal range. Pearson correlation showed that sex hormones levels had no significant correlation with blood lead level. Also, there was no significant difference in sex hormones levels between workers with BLL <40μg/dl and workers whose BLL was >40 μg/dl. Conclusion: This study showed that BLL cannot serve as a predictor of male sex hormonal changes. However, it is not possible to rule out the effect of lead on the reproductive system after long-term exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental lead (Pb) exposure and toxicity have been recognised as public health problems of global importance, affecting both the developed and developing nations. In this work, blood Pb of pregnant women that were not exposed to lead by their occupation ( n = 349), with mean ± SD age of 27.0 ± 4.8 years and gestational age of 21.8 ± 3.1 weeks at recruitment were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that 309 (88.5 %) of the women had a mean ± SD blood Pb of 40.0 ± 16.5 μg/dl, which is higher than the current US Centre for Disease Prevention and Control action limit (>10 μg/dl). The observed high prevalence of elevated blood Pb levels may be related to maternal low socioeconomic status. Health education is, therefore, urgently needed to sensitise the general public and the policy makers of the level of Pb exposure in Abakaliki environment and the inherent health implications. In addition to mandatory environmental lead monitoring, blood Pb screening for would-be mother is recommended, and those whose blood Pb are found elevated should be appropriately treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to determine the lead (Pb) distributions in blood and prevalence of elevated Pb exposure among children, age ranged (5-10 years), residing near industrialized region of Hyderabad city, Pakistan. For comparison, biological samples of children of same age group from non-industrial area were also analyzed. The Pb concentration in blood samples was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, prior to microwave assisted acid digestion. The results showed that significantly higher proportion of children living in the vicinity of industrial area, had blood Pb levels (BLL) in the range of 15.4-35.6 µg/dL, and 8.51-16.7 µg/dL for those of non-industrial area. The blood Pb level was higher in boys of both groups as compared to girls of same age group, but the difference was not significant (p=0.178). Negative correlation was observed between BLL and hemoglobin levels (p<0.001), while positive correlation was observed between BLL and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the mechanism of senile cataract by investigating the antioxidant enzymes and the lead content in the lens and blood of age-related cataractous patients. Methods: The study was carried out on 52 patients who were subjected to cataract surgery in Al- Madinah Al Munawarah - KSA. The study population included (26 males and 26 females), aged 51-78 years with senile cataract. The determination of lead was carried out in their lens materials and blood samples using inductively coupled plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Glutathione Hydroxylase, Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase were estimated by standard spectrophotometer methods in samples of lens and blood for all the subjects. Results: The significant finding of the study was an increase in lenticular lead content of early agerelated cataract (51-60 years) than middle and advanced age-related cataract (61-70 years) and (71-80 years) old age group. Also; a decrease in the activity of Glutathione hydroxylase, Glutathione peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase in both lens and blood was found. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present data indicates that chronic lead exposure and oxidative stress as measured by antioxidant enzyme status may play a role in age-related cataract development. Continuous lead monitoring in lenticular disturbances and lead chelation therapy in combination with antioxidant therapy may have a role to play in delaying the onset and progression of age-related cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Children's growth and intellectual development are affected by low-level lead exposure. The aims of this research were to measure the concentration of lead in the blood of the kindergarten children in Taiwan and to explore the relevant determinants in order to prevent future lead exposure. Methods: Random sampling was done at various administrative levels such as district, city, town, and village. Kindergartens from administrative areas that were randomly selected were then invited to participate in this project between April and October 2011. A total of 934 children from the participating kindergartens in the selected areas took part in this study after their parents signed a statement of consent. Blood lead level was determined with inductively coupled plasma. Results: The geometric mean level of lead in the blood of kindergarten children was 1.86 μg/dL (geometric standard deviation =1.55). The percentage of blood lead concentrations exceeding 4 μg/dL was 3.7%. In terms of geographical areas, subjects from the off-shore islands had the highest geometric mean blood lead concentration (2.59 μg/dL), while those in northern Taiwan had the lowest (1.53 μg/dL). Among the counties, children from Kinmen (2.80 μg/dL) and Changhua (2.53 μg/dL) presented with the highest blood lead levels while those in Taoyuan (1.28 μg/dL) and Hsinchu (1.32 μg/dL) had the lowest. Blood lead concentration was negatively correlated with household income and level of parental educational (p < 0.0001). Children whose fathers worked in the industries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries tended to have higher blood lead levels (> 2.20 μg/dL). Conclusions: There is an international consensus to further lower the safety threshold for children's blood lead levels since damage to the brain and nervous system has been reported with blood lead levels less than 10μg/dL. Therefore, even though the blood lead levels of kindergarten children have generally been reduced to 1~3 μg/dL in Taiwan, a referential threshold of 4 μg/dL was suggested in order to enhance the prevention of lead exposure for people at high risk, with efforts on eliminating health disparities and inegualities in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Lead (Pb) exposure is associated with children''s neurodevelopment, even at low doses. Leaded gasoline was banned in Taiwan in 2000 to reduce environmental exposure to Pb. Objectives: To evaluate the neurodevelopmental effect of low-level Pb exposure in young children. Methods: In 2001–2002, we have recruited 430 pregnant women in the third-trimester in Taichung, Taiwan who answered detailed questionnaires in the obstetric clinic. A total of 119, 76, and 66 children were followed up at 2–3, 5–6 and 8–9years, respectively. We collected blood samples from pregnant women, Umbilical cord and children, and evaluated children''s neurodevelopment and cognition function at all three time points using Bayley and Wechsler tests. Blood samples were analyzed for whole blood lead (BPb) levels. Results: Geometric mean of BPb in pregnant women, cord blood and children at 2–3, 5–6 and 8–9years old were 2.21, 1.30, 2.48, 2.49 and 1.97μg/dl, respectively. Low-level postnatal Ln BPb was significantly associated with not only decreasing intelligence quotient (IQ), but also delayed cognitive function in children at 5–8years (β: −5.97, SE: 2.59, p=0.025), after adjustment for maternal education, maternal BPb exposure, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Inventory (HOME), and gender of child, using linear mixed models. No significant relation was observed between prenatal and cord blood Pb levels and children''s cognitive function in children 2–8years. Conclusions: Low-level postnatal BPb levels in children at 2–5years may have lagged effects on neurodevelopment in those at 5 to 8years. Action is warranted to reduce even very low environmental Pb levels to reduce the developmental burden of Pb on children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: We aimed to measure mortality and cancer incidence in a cohort of lead-exposed workers by using blood lead levels to assess exposure. Methods: The cohort comprised male lead workers. Subjects were matched to cancer and death registries. Observed death and cancer incidence rates were compared with population rates to obtain standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR). Results: There were 4114 male subjects with average follow-up time of 16.2 years, and 406 deaths were observed. There were significant results for overall death (SMR, 111; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 101–123), digestive system deaths (SMR, 167; 95% CI, 110–250), and deaths from external causes (SMR, 135; 95% CI, 105–174). A total of 228 subjects had cancer, with an overall SIR of 83 (95% CI, 73–95); liver cancer SIR of 217 (95% CI, 103–454) and esophageal cancer SIR of 240 (95% CI, 129–447). The latter was seven-fold greater (SIR 755; 95% CI, 314–1813) among those with a blood lead level result above 30 μg/dL compared with population rates. No other increases in cancers were observed. Conclusions: Overall mortality was elevated. Although incidence rates of overall cancer were low, further studies and analysis are required to investigate any biologically plausible associations between inorganic lead and liver or esophageal cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the association between lead powder use, as folk skin care, and blood lead level (BLL) in children, we studied 222 children up to 14-years old living in a Chinese rural area and administered a face to face interview with their parents to collect information on lead powder use and other potential exposure. We measured children's BLL at baseline and 2 years later after an intervention. The children were divided into three categories according to their use of lead powder: regular use, irregular use and never use. We applied multivariate linear regression to determine the association between lead powder use and elevated BLL. The average BLL of all children was 18 μg/dl; 56% of them had BLL of 10 μg/dl or higher. Lead powder use was significantly associated with elevated BLL. After adjusting for potential confounders the BLL of regular and irregular users was higher than non-users by 3.11 μg/dl and 1.47 μg/dl, respectively. Duration of lead powder use was positively associated with BLL, but the time since last use was inversely associated. A significant BLL reduction was observed 2 years later, and the greatest reduction (21 μg/dl) was seen in the youngest group of regular users. This study showed that traditional use of lead powder for a skin care purpose was a major contributor to elevated BLL in these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the Czech Republic, the Human Biomonitoring Project (CZ-HBM) was launched in 1994 as an integral part of the nationwide Environmental Health Monitoring System (EHMS). Until now, the HBM covers two time periods: the first covered 1994–2003 and the second, 2005–2009. Altogether three population groups were included in the HBM: adults (blood donors aged 18–58 years), children aged 8–10 years, and breastfeeding primiparas. Sampling is organized on a yearly basis. Altogether three groups of biomarkers were analyzed: (a) selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) and essential elements (Cu, Se, Zn) in blood and urine of adults and children, (b) indicator PCBs, DDT, DDE, HCB and HCHs in human milk and blood serum of adults and (c) cytogenetic changes in peripheral lymphocytes in blood of adults and children. This paper is focused on the general design of the CZ-HBM, the trends over time, and reference values. A significant downward time trend was observed for the blood lead levels in adults and children. Increased urinary cadmium levels were observed in Czech children compared to German children. The blood and urinary mercury levels were higher in women than in men. The levels of indicator PCB congeners in the Czech human milk samples were still higher than in most other European countries, because of existing hot spots. The levels of organochlorine pesticides showed a substantial continuous downward trend. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To find the best lead exposure assessment marker for children. Methods: We recruited 11 children, calculated a cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) for the children, measured their concurrent BLL, assessed their development, and measured their bone lead level. Results: Nine of 11 children had clinically significant neurodevelopment problems. CBLI and current blood lead level, but not the peak lead level, were significantly or marginally negatively associated with the full-scale IQ score. Conclusion: Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child's later neurodevelopment. CBLI may be a better predictor of neurodevelopment than are current or peak blood lead levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the association between geographic region and blood lead levels (BLLs) in US children, as well as trends in this relationship, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: SAS and SUDAAN software programs were utilized to develop linear regression models adjusted for several factors associated with BLLs. Results: The largest decline in BLLs was observed in Northeastern children, while the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels decreased the most for the West and Northeast. Lead levels of Northeastern children were still higher than those of children living in the West. However, levels were not different among children residing in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, and the blood lead concentrations were less than 5 μg/dL for all but one subgroup of children and less than 2 μg/dL for >70% of the subgroups. More importantly, the effects of different risk factors for higher blood lead levels varied by region even after adjusting for all other covariates. Conclusions: The results of this study not only provide relevant and current blood lead levels for US children that can be used as reference values to evaluate biomonitoring data, but can also be used to help direct prevention and surveillance strategies to reduce lead in the environment of at-risk children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The French Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) was conducted in order to describe food consumption and levels of various biomarkers in the general population. In this paper, we aimed to assess the distribution of blood lead levels (BLL) in the adult population living in France. Method: ENNS was a cross-sectional survey carried out in the general population. Participants (18–74years of age) were sampled using a three-stage probability design stratified by geographical areas and degrees of urbanization. Collected data included biochemical samples, anthropometric measurements, socio-demographic characteristics, and environmental and occupational exposure. Results: In 2006/2007, 2029 adults were included in the survey on lead. The blood lead geometric mean (GM) in the population living in France was 25.7μg/L [24.9–26.5]. The overall prevalence of elevated BLL (>100μg/L) was 1.7% [1.1–2.3%]. Levels were significantly higher in males than in females, and increased with age, smoking status and alcohol consumption. Other factors significantly associated with BLL were leisure activities, occupational category, age of housing unit, birth place and shellfish/crustacean consumption. Conclusion: For the first time a survey provides national estimates of BLL for the adult population in France. Comparison with results from a previous study among men aged 18–28years showed that the GM dropped more than 60% in the last 10years. The distribution of BLL in France was quite similar to that observed in other European countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To assess the extent of exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in the Korean general adult population using a representative sample. Methods: We studied blood concentrations of three heavy metals in a representative sample of 1,997 Koreans as part of the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III) performed in 2005. Results: The geometric means of the blood lead, cadmium, and mercury concentrations were 2.61 μg/dL, 1.53 μg/L, and 4.15 μg/L, respectively [95% confidence intervals (CIs), 2.50-2.71, 1.48-1.58, and 3.94-4.36, respectively]. Women had significantly lower blood lead and mercury concentrations in adjusted and unadjusted analyses but no difference between genders was observed in blood cadmium analysis. The geometric means of blood lead and mercury levels were higher in subjects older than 40 years than in those younger than 40 years. Smoking status only affected the blood lead concentration, with this being higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. Blood cadmium levels did not differ with demographic and lifestyle variables after covariate adjustment. Blood mercury concentrations were higher in those who consumed alcohol and also increased with the frequency of fish consumption. Conclusions: This biomonitoring study of blood heavy metals in the Korean general population as part of KNHANES III provides important reference data stratified by demographic and lifestyle factors that will be useful for the ongoing surveillance of environmental exposure of the Korean general population to heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between gene expression and lead (Pb) levels in blood in children with autism (AU, n = 37) compared to typically developing controls (TD, n = 15). We postulated that, though lead levels did not differ between the groups, AU children might metabolize lead differently compared to TD children. RNA was isolated from blood and processed on Affymetrix microarrays. Separate analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) corrected for age and gender were performed for TD, AU, and all subjects (AU + TD). To reduce false positives, only genes that overlapped these three ANCOVAs were considered. Thus, 48 probe sets correlated with lead levels in both AU and TD subjects and were significantly different between the groups ( p(Diagnosis × log Pb) < 0.05). These genes were related mainly to immune and inflammatory processes, including MHC Class II family members and CD74. A large number ( n = 791) of probe sets correlated ( P ≤ 0.05) with lead levels in TD but not in AU subjects; and many probe sets ( n = 162) correlated ( P ≤ 0.05) with lead levels in AU but not in TD subjects. Only 30 probe sets correlated ( P ≤ 0.05) with lead levels in a similar manner in the AU and TD groups. These data show that AU and TD children display different associations between transcript levels and low levels of lead. We postulate that this may relate to the underlying genetic differences between the two groups, though other explanations cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which compared lead (Pb) concentrations in whole blood and δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) concentrations in plasma and whole blood from cattle with suspected Pb exposure. Venous blood samples were gathered from 2 sodium-ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid blood collection vials from Holstein, Angus cross and Hereford cross cattle in the U.S. Results showed no correlation between blood Pb concentration and plasma ALA concentration in a group of cattle.

essment of lead in blood (BLL) and lead in urine (ULL) of some non-occupationally exposed, nonsmoking 214 pregnant Nigerian women, aged 17 to 49 years, and resident in Lagos was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry with control subjects consisting of 113 nonpregnant women. From results, the mean BLL and ULL (μg/dL) for pregnant women (59.5 ± 2.1; 29.4 ± 1.1) were significantly ( p < 0.01) higher than the values obtained for nonpregnant women (27.7 ± 1.1; 9.2 ± 0.6). BLL found in women in the first, second, and third trimesters were 57.2 ± 2.3, 61.6 ± 2.2, and 63.1 ± 1.8, respectively. ULL could not serve to predict BLL due to weak correlations ( r = − 0.06 to + 0.15; p > 0.10). Study is a contribution to blood and urine lead status of Nigerian pregnant women, being relevant for healthcare management purposes, public health decision making, and possible primary prevention activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lead is a well-known neurotoxic metal and one of the most toxic chemicals in a child’s environment. The aim of this study was to assess early-life lead exposure in a pristine rural area of Bangladesh. The exposure was expected to be very low because of the absence of vehicle traffic and polluting industries. Lead was measured in erythrocytes, urine, and breast milk of 500 randomly selected pregnant women, participating in a randomized food and micronutrient supplementation trial in Matlab (MINIMat). Lead was also measured in urine of their children at 1.5 and 5 years of age, and in rice, well water, cooking pots, and materials used for walls and roof. All measurements were performed using ICPMS. We found that the women had relatively high median erythrocyte lead levels, which increased considerably from early pregnancy to late lactation (81–136μg/kg), probably due to release from bone. Urinary lead concentrations were unchanged during pregnancy (median ∼3.5μg/L) and non-linearly associated with maternal blood lead levels. Children, at 1.5 and 5 years of age, had a median urinary lead concentration of 4μg/L, i.e., similar to that in their mothers. Rice, the staple food in Matlab, collected from 63 homes of the study sample, contained 1–89μg/kg (median 13μg/kg) dry weight and seems to be an important source of lead exposure. Other sources of exposure may be cooking pots and metal sheet roof material, which were found to release up to 380 and 4200μg/L, respectively, into acidic solutions. Based on breast milk lead concentrations (median 1.3μg/L) a median daily intake of 1.2μg was estimated for 3 months old infants. However, alternatives to breast-feeding are likely to contain more lead, especially rice-based formula. To conclude, lead exposure in women and their children in a remote unpolluted area was found to be surprisingly high, which may be due to their living conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two hundred and forty blood samples were collected from children, women, and men in urban areas of Enugu State, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed for lead by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results show the range and % detectable values were 3.9-88.1 μg/dl and 97.92%, respectively. The sample population was classified according to age groups (≤12, 13-25, and >25 years), sex, occupationally and non-occupationally exposed, pregnant women/nursing mothers and other women, and those exposed/or not exposed to some possible risk factors. This was done to find out if there is a trend within the different categories, which will help in identifying toxicity risk groups of lead in Nigeria. Children had the highest range of blood lead levels (12-88 μg/dl), with a mean level of 48.8 μg/dl. Males showed a higher mean concentration for lead than did the women in our study, while pregnant women/nursing mothers had a lower mean concentration (28.8 ± 19.8 μg/dl) of lead than the other women (32.8 ± 12 μg/dl). There was significant difference between the responses for some of the factors, showing that concentrations of lead are affected by these factors. The generally polluted environment probably has had significant impact on the lead blood burden of the Nigerian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work describes a simple procedure for blood lead level determination. The proposed method requires little sample pretreatment and subsequent direct analysis of a dried blood spot on a filter membrane using laser ablation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). In general, LA-ICP-MS studies are somewhat limited by the lack of matrix-matched standards for calibration purposes. Here we describe aqueous standard calibration and matrix-matched calibration methods. This method was validated by analysis of the reference materials. With the matrix-matched calibration method, the recovery ranged from 97.8% to 112.8%, while the aqueous standard calibration method ranged 90.4% to 122.4%. The lower detection limit was estimated as 0.1ngmL−1. The determination precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD), was not worse than 10% for all results. A sample throughput of approximately 5min per sample made it possible to rapidly screen a large number of samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Blood lead concentrations (B-Pb) were measured in 3 879 Swedish school children during the period 1978-2007. The objective was to study the effect of the proximity to lead sources based on the children's home and school location. Methods: The children's home address and school location were geocoded and their proximity to a lead smelter and major roads was calculated using geographical information system (GIS) software. All the statistical analyses were carried out using means of generalized log-linear modelling, with natural-logarithm-transformed B-Pb, adjusted for sex, school year, lead-exposing hobby, country of birth and, in the periods 1988-1994 and 1995-2007, parents' smoking habits. Results: The GIS analysis revealed that although the emission from the smelter and children's BPb levels had decreased considerably since 1978, proximity to the lead smelter continued to affect levels of B-Pb, even in recent years (geometric mean: near smelter: 22.90 μg/l; far from smelter 19.75 μg/l; p = 0.001). The analysis also revealed that proximity to major roads noticeably affected the children's B-Pb levels during the period 1978-1987 (geometric mean near major roads: 44.26 μg/l; far from roads: 38.32 μg/l; p = 0.056), due to the considerable amount of lead in petrol. This effect was, however, not visible after 1987 due to prohibition of lead in petrol. Conclusion: The results show that proximity to the lead smelter still has an impact on the children's B-Pb levels. This is alarming since it could imply that living or working in the vicinity of a former lead source could pose a threat years after reduction of the emission. The analysis also revealed that urban children exposed to lead from traffic were only affected during the early period, when there were considerable amounts of lead in petrol, and that the prohibition of lead in petrol in later years led to reduced levels of lead in the blood of urban children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood lead concentrations have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality in adults in general population and occupational cohorts. We aimed to determine the association between blood lead, all cause and cause specific mortality in elderly, community residing women. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 533 women aged 65-87 years enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures at 2 US research centers (Baltimore, MD; Monongahela Valley, PA) from 1986 1988. Blood lead concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Using blood lead concentration categorized as < 8 μg/dL (0.384 μmol/L), and = 8 μg/dL (0.384 μmol/L), we determined the relative risk of mortality from all cause, and cause-specific mortality, through Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: Mean blood lead concentration was 5.3 ± 2.3 μg/dL (range 1-21) [0.25 ± 0.11 μmol/L (range 0.05-1.008)]. After 12.0 ± 3 years of > 95% complete follow-up, 123 (23%) women who died had slightly higher mean (± SD) blood lead 5.56 (± 3) μg/dL [0.27(± 0.14) μmol/L] than survivors: 5.17(± 2.0) [0.25(± 0.1) μmol/L] (p = 0.09). Women with blood lead concentrations = 8 μg/dL (0.384 μmol/L), had 59% increased risk of multivariate adjusted all cause mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.49) (p = 0.041) especially coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (HR = 3.08 [CI], (1.23-7.70)(p = 0.016), compared to women with blood lead concentrations < 8 μg/dL(< 0.384 μmol/L). There was no association of blood lead with stroke, cancer, or non cardiovascular deaths. Conclusion: Women with blood lead concentrations of = 8 μg/dL (0.384 μmol/L), experienced increased mortality, in particular from CHD as compared to those with lower blood lead concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), the most comprehensive direct health measures survey ever undertaken on a national scale in Canada, includes measurement of the heavy metals, lead, mercury and cadmium, which are toxic to humans at excessive levels. The geometric mean blood concentrations for lead, total mercury and cadmium were 1.37 µg/ dL, 0.76 µg/L, and 0.35 µg/L, respectively. Blood lead concentrations have fallen substantially since 1978, when national levels were last measured. Much of this decline may be attributed to the phase-out of leaded gasoline, lead-containing paints and lead solder in food cans since the 1970s. Fewer than 1% of Canadians now have blood lead concentrations above the Health Canada guidance value of 10 µg/dL. Similarly, fewer than 1% of Canadian adults have total blood mercury concentrations above the Health Canada guidance value of 20 µg/L for adults. CHMS data will be used to assess current population levels for a broad range of environmental chemicals, chronic diseases, nutritional status and infectious diseases; to provide a baseline for emerging trends, and to enable comparisons with other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine blood lead levels in newborns less than 12-hours of life, in La Oroya. Material and methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective study performed between June 2004 to June 2005 in a sample consisting in newborns in La Oroya. A questionnaire was administered to pregnant women and lead levels were determined in a sample of venous blood (2 mL) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with an air-acetylene flame. Values are expressed ad micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dL). Results. 93 newborns were assessed, average blood lead contents was 8.84 µg/dL (SD: 0.57). 70 newborns (75.3%) had blood lead levels between 6 and 10 µg/dL, and 23 (24.7%) had more than 10 µg/dL. Newborns from mothers living in La Oroya Nueva (the new city) have blood lead levels lower than those from mothers living in La Oroya Vieja (the old city) (p= 0.002). Conclusions. Newborns in La Oroya have high blood lead levels, so it is necessary to initiate prevention programs in pregnant women in order to prevent deleterious health outcomes in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Data on blood lead levels, sources of lead and health effects were reviewed among children in Pakistan. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of published studies found through PubMed, an index of Pakistani medical journals PakMediNet and unpublished reports from governmental and non-governmental agencies in Pakistan. Results: With the exception of a few studies that had adequate sample sizes and population-based samples, most studies were small and used convenience sampling methods to select study subjects. Overall, blood lead levels declined from 38 µg/dl in 1989 to 15 µg/dl in 2002. The major sources of lead that directly or indirectly resulted in lead exposure of children included: leaded petrol; father's occupation in lead-based industry; leaded paint; traditional cosmetics; and remedies. Apart from leaded petrol, there was no information regarding the level of lead in other sources such as paints and the household environment. Very little information was available regarding the adverse health effects of lead among children. Conclusion: The phasing out of leaded petrol was a commendable mitigation measure undertaken in July 2001 in Pakistan. A comprehensive assessment is now needed urgently to explore other sources of lead contributing to adverse health effects, and to plan intervention options with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of disease due to lead exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relations between bone mineral density (BMD) and lead in blood, tibia, and patella and to investigate how BMD modifies these lead biomarkers in older women. DESIGN: In this study, we used cross-sectional analysis. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 112 women, 50-70 years of age, including both whites and African Americans, residing in Baltimore, Maryland. MEASUREMENTS: We measured lumbar spine BMD, blood and bone lead by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, anodic stripping voltammetry, and 109Cd-induced K-shell X-ray fluorescence, respectively. We measured vitamin D receptor and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes using standard methods. RESULTS: Mean (± SD) BMD and lead levels in blood, tibia, and patella were 1.02 ± 0.16 g/cm², 3.3 ± 2.2 μg/dL, 19.7 ± 13.2 μg/g, and 5.7 ± 15.3 μg/g, respectively. In adjusted analysis, higher BMD was associated with higher tibia lead levels (p = 0.03). BMD was not associated with lead levels in blood or patella. There was evidence of significant effect modification by BMD on relations of physical activity with blood lead levels and by APOE genotype on relations of BMD with tibia lead levels. There was no evidence that BMD modified relations between tibia lead or patella lead and blood lead levels. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that BMD represents the capacity of bone that can store lead, by substitution for calcium, and thus the findings may have relevance for effect-size estimates in persons with higher BMD. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results have implications for changes in lead kinetics with aging, and thus the related risk of health effects associated with substantial early- and midlife lead exposure in older persona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Few studies provide data directly relevant to the question of whether blood lead concentrations < 10 μg/dL adversely affect children's cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between blood lead concentrations assessed throughout early childhood and children's IQ at 6 years of age. METHODS: Children were followed from 6 months to 6 years of age, with determination of blood lead concentrations at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and 3, 4, 5, and 6 years of age. At 6 years of age, intelligence was assessed in 194 children using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised. We used general linear and semiparametic models to estimate and test the association between blood lead concentration and IQ. RESULTS: After adjustment for maternal IQ, HOME scale scores, and other potential confounding factors, lifetime average blood lead concentration (mean = 7.2 μg/dL; median = 6.2 μg/dL) was inversely associated with Full-Scale IQ (p = 0.006) and Performance IQ scores (p = 0.002). Compared with children who had lifetime average blood lead concentrations < 5 μg/dL, children with lifetime average concentrations between 5 and 9.9 μg/dL scored 4.9 points lower on Full-Scale IQ (91.3 vs. 86.4, p = 0.03). Nonlinear modeling of the peak blood lead concentration revealed an inverse association (p = 0.003) between peak blood lead levels and Full-Scale IQ down to 2.1 μg/dL, the lowest observed peak blood lead concentration in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this cohort indicates that children's intellectual functioning at 6 years of age is impaired by blood lead concentrations well below 10 μg/dL, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of an elevated blood lead level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobilization of lead from bone is known to increase with age. The authors performed the current study to determine whether there was an association between current blood lead and bone lead in workers with no current exposure but with significant past workplace exposure. The authors assessed 58 men, aged 40 to 76 years, who had earlier exposure to lead and determined both current blood lead levels and bone lead levels. At the time of the current assessment, the average blood lead level was 10.9 μg/dL and tibia bone lead concentrations ranged from -12.5 to 223.3. The authors divided workers into 3 groups by age (40-49, 50-59, and 60-76). Correlations between blood lead and bone lead were highest in the 2 oldest age groups (.49 and .75, respectively). Hierarchical regression analysis was significant for an interaction between bone lead and age in predicting blood lead (the combination of age and bone lead significantly predicted an increase in current blood lead levels). The results support the hypothesis that lead stored in bone is a significant source of blood lead later in life. Older workers with past occupational exposure may face a particular risk for recirculation of lead in blood with advancing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurologic disorders. Aside from underlying susceptibility genes, recent studies have also begun to focus on environmental toxic factors. Yet there remains a paucity of information on such factors, making studies of environmental factors important. A recent study in New York City found blood lead concentrations to be elevated in ET cases compared with matched controls. Chronic exposure to lead produces cerebellar damage, and this could predispose individuals to develop ET. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the elevation in blood lead concentrations observed in a single study in New York was similarly present in ET cases sampled from a completely different geographic region. METHODS: Blood lead concentrations were measured in 105 ET cases and 105 controls at Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. RESULTS: The median blood lead concentration was 2.7 μg/dL in ET cases compared with 1.5 μg/dL in controls (p < 0.001). In an unadjusted logistic regression model, blood lead concentration was associated with diagnosis: odds ratio (OR) = 4.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.53-6.37; p < 0.001 (i.e., each 1-μg/dL increase in blood lead concentration was associated with a 4-fold increased odds of ET). This association was more robust when cases were compared with a subsample of controls who did not share the same home environment (OR = 8.13; 95% CI, 3.05-21.65; p < 0.001). In adjusted models, results were similar. CONCLUSIONS: These data replicate those of a previous study in New York and demonstrate an association between the environmental toxicant lead and a common neurologic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silicofluorides (SiFs), fluosilicic acid (FSA) and sodium fluosilicate (NaFSA), are used to fluoridate over 90% of US fluoridated municipal water supplies. Living in communities with silicofluoride treated water (SiFW) is associated with two neurotoxic effects: (1) Prevalence of children with elevated blood lead (PbB>10μg/dL) is about double that in non-fluoridated communities (Risk Ratio 2, χ 2 p <0.01). SiFW is associated with serious corrosion of lead-bearing brass plumbing, producing elevated water lead (PbW) at the faucet. New data refute the long-prevailing belief that PbW contributes little to children''s blood lead (PbB), it is likely to contribute 50% or more. (2) SiFW has been shown to interfere with cholinergic function. Unlike the fully ionized state of fluoride (F-) in water treated with sodium fluoride (NaFW), the SiF anion, [SiF6]2- in SiFW releases F- in a complicated dissociation process. Small amounts of incompletely dissociated [SiF6]2- or low molecular weight (LMW) silicic acid (SA) oligomers may remain in SiFW. A German PhD study found that SiFW is a more powerful inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than NaFW. It is proposed here that SiFW induces protein mis-folding via a mechanism that would affect polypeptides in general, and explain dental fluorosis, a tooth enamel defect that is not merely “cosmetic” but a “canary in the mine” foretelling other adverse, albeit subtle, health and behavioral effects. Efforts to refute evidence of such effects are analyzed and rebutted. In 1999 and 2000, senior EPA personnel admitted they knew of no health effects studies of SiFs. In 2002 SiFs were nominated for NTP animal testing. In 2006 an NRC Fluoride Study Committee recommended such studies. It is not known at this writing whether any had begun. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: It is widely recognized that blood lead concentrations are higher in the summer than in winter. Although the effects of some environmental factors such as lead in dust on this phenomenon have been studied, relationships to sunlight-induced vitamin D synthesis have not been adequately investigated. Vitamin D status is influenced by the diet, sunlight exposure, age, skin pigmentation, and other factors, and may modify gastrointestinal lead absorption or release of lead stored in bones into the bloodstream. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We collected paired blood samples from 142 young, urban African-American and Hispanic children in the winter and summer to study the seasonal increase in blood lead and its relationships to vitamin D nutrition, age, and race. RESULTS: A winter/summer (W/S) increase in blood lead concentrations of 32.4% was found for children 1-3 years of age. There was a smaller W/S increase of 13.0% in children 4-8 years of age. None of the 51 Hispanic children had an elevated blood lead concentration (= 10 µg/dL) during the winter, and only one had an elevated summertime concentration. In contrast, elevated blood lead concentrations were frequent in the 91 African-American children, especially those 1-3 years of age. For the latter, the percentage with elevated blood lead levels increased from 12.2% in winter to 22.5% in summer. A 1.2% W/S increase in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (serum 25-OH-D) concentrations was found for children 1-3 years of age. However, in children 4-8 years of age the W/S increase in serum 25-OH-D was much larger-33.6%. The percentages of children with low (< 16 µg/L) serum 25-OH-D concentrations were 12.0% in winter and 0.7% in summer and were consistently greater in African-American than in Hispanic children. The seasonal increases in blood lead and serum 25-OH-D in children 4-8 years of age were significantly associated. CONCLUSION: The higher summertime serum 25-OH-D concentrations for the 4- to 8-year-old children are likely caused by increased sunlight-induced vitamin D synthesis and may contribute to the seasonal increase in blood lead. Age and race are key factors that affect blood lead and vitamin D nutrition, as well as their interactions, in young urban children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very simple, ultra-sensitive and fairly selective new spectrophotometric method has been developed for the rapid determination of lead(II) at ultra-trace level using 1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone) in presence of aqueous micellar solutions. The proposed method enabled the determination of lead down to μg l-1 in human blood and urine in aqueous media without resource of any “clean-up” step. The most remarkable point of this method is that the presence of micellar system avoids the previous steps of solvent extraction and reduces the cost, toxicity while enhancing the sensitivity, selectivity and the molar absorptivity. The complex formation of lead in blood with dithizone was completed within a minute at room temperature and the absorbance remains stable for 24 h. The average molar absorption coefficient and Sandell's sensitivity were found to be 3.99×105 l mol-1 cm-1 and 30 ng cm-2 of Pb, respectively. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for 0.06–60 mg l-1 of PbII; the stoichiometric composition of the chelate is 1:2 (Pb:dithizone). The interference from over 60 cations, anions and complexing agents has been studied at 1 mg l-1 of PbII. The method was successfully used in the determination of lead in several biological samples (human blood and urine and bovine liver), solution containing both lead(II) and lead(IV) and complex synthetic mixtures. The results of biological analyses by the spectrophotometric method were in excellent agreement with those obtained by AAS. The results of lead concentration in biological samples were varied with age, sex and place which have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]