Abstract
Lead concentrations in whole blood (BPb) of Japanese children were measured to obtain insight into the sources of variation and to estimate health risk. Blood samples were taken from 352 children (aged 1-14 years) at pediatric clinics/hospitals in 3 regions of Japan (Tokyo, Shizuoka, and Osaka) during 2005-2006 (Shizuoka only) and 2008-2010 (3 regions), and BPb was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after acid digestion. Geometric mean BPb of the 352 children was 1.07 μg/dL, among the lowest in the world. Based on this result, the probability of exceeding BPb 10 μg/dL, the action level proposed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in general Japanese children was estimated to be negligible. There was a significant negative correlation between BPb and age, while sex difference was not significant. BPb was significantly lower in subjects in Tokyo than in the other two regions. Age-adjusted mean BPb was significantly higher in children with a family member who smoked in their presence than in those who did not have such a family member, indicating that passive smoking had a significant effect on BPb. Health risk of lead exposure is minimal in Japanese children. To lower the exposure level further, reduction of passive smoking is suggested as one of the effective measures.
Highlights
IntroductionA number of epidemiologic studies done since the 1980s have revealed that Pb impairs normal development of cognitive functions of children [1]
Age-adjusted mean BPb was significantly higher in children with a family member who smoked in their presence than in those who did not have such a family member, indicating that passive smoking had a significant effect on BPb
Health risk of lead exposure is minimal in Japanese children
Summary
A number of epidemiologic studies done since the 1980s have revealed that Pb impairs normal development of cognitive functions of children [1]. Concern has recently been raised that adverse effects are seen at exposure levels lower than were considered safe in the past [5, 6]. Schwartz [7] and Lanphear et al [8] suggested that there is no threshold for Pb exposure below which no adverse effect on cognitive development was observed. Lead concentration in whole blood (BPb) has long been considered a reliable indicator of relatively short-term (approximately 1 month [1]) exposure to Pb, and it was measured to represent exposure level in most of the previous epidemiologic studies on Pb and cognitive functions of children. BPb has been measured routinely for biomonitoring of Pb exposure of children in many countries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
