Average Lead Levels Research Articles

Metal Contamination Hotspots in the Everglades

Left: shell casings at a site in the Everglades. Top right: Megan Bruce operating an atomic absorption flame emission spectrophotometer. Bottom right: J. Matt Hoch and Bruce collecting samples at a site in the Everglades. The Everglades ecosystem of South Florida may appear to be a wild, untouched landscape. However, there is a long history of human impacts—from attempts to drain the river of grass in the 1920s to pollution from agricultural and urban development and the introduction of invasive plants and animals. Currently, there are large-scale efforts to restore water flow and habitat in this unique ecosystem, but human impacts—both small and large—are still apparent. J. Matthew Hoch, Associate Professor in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences at Nova Southeastern University, conducts research in the Everglades. He says that during outings with a field course, the group noticed areas that are illegally used for firearm target practice. These unregulated illegal shooting ranges are littered with bullet casings and other trash. Hoch and his students wondered if these shooting ranges were contaminated with metal—from the soil and water to the plants and animals—and Hoch and co-author Megan Bruce decided to investigate further. The results of this initial survey were recently published in the Journal of Environmental Quality (https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.08.0319). In 2017, Hoch and colleagues took survey samples at sites in the Everglades ecosystem. They sampled water, sediment, plants, and invertebrates and tested for lead, copper, and aluminum. Samples were collected at two unregulated shooting sites, three reference sites in the Everglades that did not show evidence of ammunition accumulation, and at a regulated shooting range. The samples revealed that the unregulated shooting areas are contaminated by copper and lead. The levels of lead and copper in the sediment at the unregulated sites were greater than the reference sites and similar to the levels found at the regulated shooting range. Lead levels in plants were also greater at the unregulated sites compared with the reference sites. Additionally, the average lead levels in grass shrimp at target sites was 416.1 µg/g compared with levels averaging 18.9 µg/g at the reference sites. This initial work documents the contamination associated with these unregulated target practice areas and leads to new questions. Hoch and his lab recently obtained grant funding to purchase new equipment that will enable them to do more in-depth analyses. He would like to do a more detailed sampling of plants and animals to test for bioaccumulation of lead and copper in the food chain that may originate at these sites. Understanding how these metals move through the ecosystem is important considering the Everglades ecosystem is critical habitat for many threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, wood stork, and snail kite. The problems with illegal firearm use go beyond contamination as these areas can pose a risk to other people using public lands who are unaware of the existence or exact location of these illicit shooting ranges. For example, Hoch described how during this study, a fisherman was accidentally killed by target shooters at one of the study sites. In the western U.S., target shooters have also started wildfires on public land, resulting in damage to structures and costly firefighting efforts. View the Journal of Environmental Quality article, “Metal Contamination Hotspots at Unregulated Firearm Target Shooting Sites in the Everglades” at: https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.08.0319. It will likely take a combination of efforts, including education and increased law enforcement, to reduce illegal target practice on public land in the Everglades and on other sites across the U.S. Increasing law enforcement presence can be expensive, but it is probably the most effective strategy. After the shooting accident mentioned earlier, Hoch says a law enforcement agent was stationed near the target shooting site. This resulted in a decrease in target shooting at the site and suggests that increased law enforcement presence can reduce these activities on public land.

BIOMONITORING KADAR TIMBAL (Pb) PADA ANAK JALANAN DI KOTA SAMARINDA

Air is a very important factor in life, so air is a natural resource that must be protected, as for its utilization, it must always be wise to pay attention to future generations. Changes in the air environment are generally caused by air pollution, the entry of pollutants in the form of gases, small particles or aerosols into the air. The growth of motorized vehicles in Samarinda will have a large potential to reduce the quality of the air environment. A decrease in the quality of the air environment can be caused by the emission of motor vehicles containing heavy metals including Lead (Pb). The problem formulation in this study is how much exposure to Lead (Pb) on street children in Samarinda City. The purpose of this study is to measure lead levels (Pb) in the blood of street children in Samarinda City. his study uses observational analytic research methods, conducts interviews and uses questionnaires and conducts examination and analysis of Lead (Pb) in the Laboratory. The design of this study uses cross sectional. Based on the results of the study of Biomonitoring Lead Level (Pb) in blood on street children in Samarinda City the average Lead Level (Pb) in blood in street children in Samarinda City was 0.28615 mg/l (28.615 I¼g/dl) with a standard deviation value of 0, 299848 which means Lead Level (Pb) above the threshold set by the Center for Disease and Prevention 10-19 I¼g/dl. Keyword: Biomonitoring, Lead, Street Children

Playground lead levels in rubber, soil, sand, and mulch surfaces in Boston.

Rubber surfacing is often used in playgrounds due to its potential injury prevention benefits and as a way to recycle waste tires. Available research on chemicals in recycled rubber has focused on synthetic turf applications, but is limited for playground rubber surfacing. Potential lead contamination from vulcanizing agents used in rubber surfacing are a possible concern; however this has not been researched. We examined levels of lead in poured-in-place rubber and compared them to levels in soil, sand, and wood mulch materials from 28 randomly selected playgrounds in Boston, MA, USA using X-ray fluorescence. To evaluate the association between material type and lead concentrations, we conducted a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and built a linear regression model controlling for distance to major roadway, neighborhood-level status as an environmental justice area, peeling paint on the playground, and rubber condition. Average lead levels were 65.7 μg/g for soil, 22.0 μg/g for rubber, 8.5 μg/g for sand, and 9.0 μg/g for mulch. Our finding of lower concentrations of lead in sand and mulch compared to rubber and soil should be used to inform playground design to optimize children’s health, alongside other chemical and safety considerations.

Risk Assessment of Lead Exposure from Cervid Meat in Norwegian Consumers and in Hunting Dogs

Risk Assessment of Lead Exposure from Cervid Meat in Norwegian Consumers and in Hunting Dogs

Heavy Metal Content (Hg. Pb. Cd and Fe) of CHU-MEL Effluents Discharged in the Cotonou Lagoon (Benin)

This study is conducted to characterize the heavy metal contamination of CHU-MEL effluents discharged into the Cotonou lagoon in order to assess the potential risk of these discharges for this ecosystem. To achieve this objective, the effluents collected at the end of the pipes acting as weirs in the lagoon were analyzed. The results from physico-chemical and heavy metals analyzes have made it possible to assess the quality of the effluents. The values of pH, temperature, conductivity, TDS and dissolved oxygen measured in situ are, on average, 7.95; 29.60°C; 639.60 μS/cm; 457.48 mg/l and 0.22 mg/L. The determination of heavy metals in the effluents showed low levels of contamination. The average levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and total iron are 0.1727 mg/L, 0.0261 mg/L, 0.0010 mg/L and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. This study shows that most of the parameters studied in the CHU-MEL effluent are in compliance with the standards. These effluents therefore pose a low risk for the aquatic organisms of the receiving environment, this added to the dilution effect of the effluents in the waters of the lagoon. However, the continual discharge of these effluents into the lagoon with their share of heavy metals.

Study on the health effects of occupational exposure to lead exceeded

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore the health effects of occupational exposure to lead exceeded. Methods: We collected 114 inpatients who exposure to lead, and diagnosed lead toxicity by No. 5 Suzhou People's Hospital from January 2011 to May 2018. Samples were selected according to 1:4 of the lead exceeded group and the control group. The age and gender of the lead exce eded group were matchied, and balanced between the two groups. Lead exceeded group: 84 inpatients occupational exposure to lead, whose blood or urinary lead exceeded. Control group: 336 healthy checkup persons who did not contact with any toxic or hazardous substances. Results: The diastolic blood pressure of lead exceeded group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.05) . The red blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean red blood cell volume, mean hemoglobin content, mean hemoglobin concentration, the platelet count, and the lymphocyte count levels of lead exceeded group were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05) , while the average platelet volume level of lead exceeded group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.05) . The aspartate aminotransferase, glucose and the urea nitrogen levels of lead exceeded group were significantly higher than control group, while the creatinine of lead exceeded group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05) . The total protein, albumin, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels of lead exceeded group were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05) . The abnormal rate of electrocardiogram and spleen B (24.4%, 8.33%) in lead exceeded group were significantly higher than control group (11.04%, 0.6%) (P<0.05) . The abnormal rate of liver B ultrasound, and gallbladder B ultrasound (23.81%、8.32%) in lead exceeded group were significantly lower than control group (41.32%、21.06%) (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Occupational exposure to lead exceeded not only has a significant impact on red blood cell related indicators, but also has a certain impact on cardiac function and liver and kidney functions. It is suggested that lead exprsure may have some effect on health of occupational population.

Accumulation of heavy metals in muscle, liver, and gonads of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western region of Algeria.

Cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper levels were measured in muscle, liver, and gonads of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western region of Algeria. Relationships between heavy metals concentrations and age, sex, sexual maturity stages, and fish size were investigated. The highest average levels of cadmium (0.2010 ± 0.026mgkg-1), lead (0.8069 ± 0.09mgkg-1), and copper (18.1135 ± 1.34mgkg-1) were recorded in the liver, while the highest mean zinc value of 203.1454 ± 21.48mgkg-1 was observed in the gonads. Significant differences (t > 1.96, p < 0.05) were found between metals levels in different tissues. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in muscle, liver, and gonads increase with age and fish size. However, metals analysis in gonadal tissues provides clear evidence of the transfer of heavy metals from spawners to progeny. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu measured in edible muscle flesh were lower than the maximum acceptable limit set by FAO/WHO for human consumption.

Design and Testing of USEPA'S Flint Pipe Rig for Corrosion Control Evaluation.

The US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development designed, fabricated, and installed four pipe rigs in Flint, Mich., to help the city optimize corrosion control. The lead service line (LSL) pipe loops were constructed of polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings and welded steel channel frames. Each pipe rig consisted of four approximately 4 ft-long sections of 0.75 in. inside diameter lead pipe that were excavated from homes fed by the Flint distribution system. The rigs were operated on a set daily on/off schedule such that a specified amount of water passed through each pipe using a solenoid valve-operated timer system. Solenoid problems resulted in sporadic and enhanced daily flow volume (but no flow rate changes) that prevented restabilization of pipe scales. Lead levels were relatively sporadic and statistically different during this period. After the solenoids were replaced, the lead pipe rigs were successfully conditioned, and lead release with consistent influent water chemistry became relatively stable. Average lead levels across all 16 loops ranged between approximately 2 and 5 μg/L after the solenoid replacement. The lead results were consistent with levels measured from LSLs from homes in the city during sequential sampling efforts.

The Relationship between Maternal and Neonatal Umbilical Cord Blood Lead Levels and their Correlation with Neonatal Anthropometric Indices

Background: Lead is an element, which can cross the placenta and enter the fetus during pregnancy if present in the blood of the expectant mother. Therefore, in this study, the level of lead in maternal and umbilical cord blood of neonates was determined, and its relationship with weight at birth, gestational age, height, and head circumference was investigated. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 70 pregnant women and their newborns were selected at Mousavi Hospital of Zanjan, Iran, based on the inclusion criteria. The level of lead in the umbilical cord blood of newborns and mothers was evaluated, and its correlation with birth weight, gestational age, height, and head circumference was assessed. Results: The average level of lead in the maternal and cord blood was 11.01 μg/dL and 9.54 μg/dL, respectively, which indicates a significant difference (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant inverse linear relationship between the level of lead in maternal blood and birth weight; therefore, an increase in the maternal blood lead level resulted in the lower weight of neonates at birth. However, there was no significant correlation between lead level and gestational age, height, or head circumference. Conclusions: In this study, the average lead level of pregnant women was 11.01 μg/dL in Zanjan, which is higher than the global standard (10 μg/dL). The birth weight of newborns, whose mothers had higher blood lead levels, was lower than that of other neonates. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the level of lead by the healthcare system in order to take effective measures and reduce lead pollution.

Bone lead levels in an environmentally exposed elderly population in shanghai, China

This study looked at measurements of lead (Pb) in a pilot population of environmentally exposed elderly residents of Shanghai, China and presented the first set of bone Pb data on an elderly Chinese population. We found that with environmental exposures in this population using K-shell x-ray fluorescence (KXRF) bone Pb measurements 40% of the individuals had bone Pb levels above the nominal detection limit with an average bone lead level of 4.9 ± 3.6 μg/g. This bone lead level is lower than comparable values from previous studies of community dwelling adults in US cities. This population had a slightly higher geometric mean blood Pb of 2.6 μg/dL than the adult US population. The main conclusion of this data is that in Shanghai there is environmental exposure to Pb, measured through blood and bone, which should be further investigated to assess the health impact of this exposure.

Soil contamination from lead battery manufacturing and recycling in seven African countries

Lead battery recycling is a growing hazardous industry throughout Africa. We investigated potential soil contamination inside and outside formal sector recycling plants in seven countries. We collected 118 soil samples at 15 recycling plants and one battery manufacturing site and analyzed them for total lead. Lead levels in soils ranged from < 40–140,000mg/kg. Overall mean lead concentrations were ~23,200mg/kg but, average lead levels were 22-fold greater for soil samples from inside plant sites than from those collected outside these facilities. Arithmetic mean lead concentrations in soil samples from communities surrounding these plants were ~2600mg/kg. As the lead battery industry in Africa continues to expand, it is expected that the number and size of lead battery recycling plants will grow to meet the forecasted demand. There is an immediate need to address ongoing exposures in surrounding communities, emissions from this industry and to regulate site closure financing procedures to ensure that we do not leave behind a legacy of lead contamination that will impact millions in communities throughout Africa.

Longitudinal trends of blood lead levels before and after leaded gasoline regulation in Korea.

The objective of this study was to verify a change in the longitudinal trend of blood lead levels for the Korean population, before and after the regulation of leaded gasoline— which occurred between 1987 and 1993 in Korea. A total of 77 reports on blood lead levels among general Korean population between 1981 and 2014 were selected, and the results were summarized to have the variables of year, number of subjects, the subjects’ range in age, gender, and blood lead concentrations (arithmetic mean). The annual average atmospheric lead levels for four major cities (i.e., Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju) were collected from the Air Pollution Monitoring Database from 1991, and pilot studies from 1985 to 1990 before the national air quality monitoring system was launched in 1991. Blood lead levels were visualized in a bubble plot in which the size of each bubble represented the sample size of each study, and the annual average concentrations in ambient air were depicted on line graphs. Blood lead levels in the Korean population tended to gradually increase from the early 1980s (approximately 15-20 μg/dL) until 1990-1992 (20-25 μg/dL). Blood lead levels then began to rapidly decrease until 2014 (<2 μg/dL). Similar patterns were observed for both adults (≥20 years) and younger children/adolescents. The same longitudinal trend was observed in annual average atmospheric lead concentration, which suggests a significant correlation between air lead concentration and blood lead concentration in the general population. In conclusion, the regulation of leaded gasoline has significantly contributed to the rapid change in blood lead concentrations. And, the regulation of other sources of lead exposure should be considered to further decrease blood lead levels in the Korean population.

СВИНЕЦЬ ТА КАДМІЙ ЯК ЧИННИКИ РИЗИКУ РОЗВИТКУ ГЕСТАЦІЙНИХ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ

Introduction. Considering intensive chemical environmental pollution, health care is one of the priority problems in modern medicine. Nowadays, heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, which are classifi ed as global environmental pollutants, adversely affect public health. Even low concentrations of these metals and their compounds can accumulate and result in decrease of adaptive body reserves. Under such conditions, generative function is among the least protected and most susceptible ones. In this regard, the concept of reproductive health as a sensitive indicator of ecological problem was stated. The aim of this study was to evaluate lead and cadmium levels in women’s blood in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancy and to assess the signifi cance of their infl uence on the gestational process. Materials and methods. Investigation of lead and cadmium content in the blood of 42 women with uncomplicated pregnancy and 50 women with gestation complicated by anemia (44.0 %) and threatened abortion (56.0 %) was carried out. Determination of metals was evaluated by inversion voltammetry method. Results. An average concentration of lead in the blood of women with uncomplicated gestation corresponds to generally accepted levels. However, in 11.9 % of pregnant women, metal content was detected within 0.2 to 0.4 mg/l, which is rated as “carriage” and in 4.8 % of women, lead concentrations slightly exceeded the upper level of acceptable content (&gt; 0.4 mg/l). Comparing the results with the data of the Center for Disease Control, physiologically acceptable level of lead (0.1 mg/l) was determined in 57.1 % of women with uncomplicated gestation. Exceeding of this level was detected in 42.9 % of pregnant women, which can cause hypertension in adults and leads to lower IQ, hearing, and growth in children. It is disturbing to determine the lead level above 0.45 mg/l in 11.1 % of women, which is too high and without timely medical aid is dangerous for children’s health. The average level of lead in complicated pregnancy was defi ned as “alertness” (0,2-0,4 мг/л) and was 2.4 times higher than in women with uncomplicated course of gestation. The highest concentration of metal was recorded in the blood of women with threatened miscarriage, which was by 154.0 % higher than in uncomplicated pregnancy. At the same time, lead level in women with anemia exceeded the index in physiological gestation by 95.2 %. In comparison with the data of the Center for Disease Control (USA), physiologically acceptable level of lead was determined only in 12.0 % of women with complicated gestation. In 88.0 % of women (in anemia – 86.3 %, threatened abortion – 89.2 %), exceeding of the maximal physiologically acceptable level is observed. Among them, in 63.6 % cases lead concentrations ranged within 0.2-0.44 mg/l, which is regarded as being high for children and “alarming” for adults. Potentially harmful level of lead was observed in 25.0 % of women. The level of cadmium in the blood of the women with physiological pregnancy corresponded to the known options for an average person (&lt; 0.013 mg/l) and was slightly higher than recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (0.005 mg/l). If compared with the approximate reference level of cadmium in the adults’ blood, cadmium content was determined within 0.005-0.01 mg/l in 33.4 % of women with uncomplicated gestation, which is estimated as the level of “alertness”, and potentially harmful levels were found in 9.5 % of cases (&gt; 0,01 мг/л). The average level of cadmium during complicated pregnancy exceeded acceptable level 3 times and 2.8 times the index in uncomplicated gestation. In 44.0 % of women, cadmium was determined in “alert” range, potentially harmful level was found in 40.0 %. The highest content of cadmium was recorded in threatened miscarriage which exceeded the index in physiological gestation 3.2 times. However, pregnant women with anemia had 2.4 times higher cadmium level than healthy ones. Conclusions. Nowadays in ecological conditions with increased levels of abiotic substances, it is reasonable to implement detection of lead and cadmium contents into practical health care, especially in early gestation, as risk factors for development of gestational complications, which in its turn can protect the health of women and newborns.

Application of X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis to Determine the Elemental Composition of Tissues from Different Ovarian Neoplasms

We present the results of x-ray fluorescence analysis of tissues from healthy ovaries and from ovaries with different pathologies: benign and borderline tumors, mucinous and endometrioid cancers, serous carcinomas. We determine the average copper, zinc, calcium, selenium, cadmium, lead, and mercury levels. We observed that in the benign ovarian tumors, we see a significant decrease in the cadmium, mercury, and lead levels compared with healthy tissues. In the borderline neoplasms, the copper level is reduced relative to zinc (Cu/Zn), cadmium, mercury, and lead, and also the zinc concentration is increased. In the ovarian carcinomas, we observed changes in the ratio of the chemical elements in the tumor tissues, depending on the histologic type. The results obtained can be used for differentiation, diagnosis, and adjustment of treatment for different ovarian neoplasms.

Evaluation of the effect of divalent metal transporter 1 gene polymorphism on blood iron, lead and cadmium levels

Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), a member of the proton-coupled metal ion transporter family, mediates transport of ferrous iron from the lumen of the intestine into the enterocyte and export of iron from endocytic vesicles. It has an affinity not only for iron but also for other divalent cations including manganese, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc. DMT1 is encoded by the SLC11a2 gene that is located on chromosome 12q13 in humans and express four major mammalian isoforms (1A/+IRE, 1A/-IRE, 2/+IRE and 2/-IRE). Mutations or polymorphisms of DMT1 gene may have an impact on human health by disturbing metal trafficking. To study the possible association of DMT1 gene with the blood levels of some divalent cations such as iron, lead and cadmium, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (IVS4+44C/A) in DMT1 gene was investigated in 486 unrelated and healthy individuals in a Turkish population by method of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). The genotype frequencies were found as 49.8% homozygote typical (CC), 38.3% heterozygote (CA) and 11.9% homozygote atypical (AA). Metal levels were analyzed by dual atomic absorption spectrometer system and the average levels of iron, lead and cadmium in the blood samples were 446.01±81.87ppm, 35.59±17.72ppb and 1.25±0.87ppb, respectively. Individuals with the CC genotype had higher blood iron, lead and cadmium levels than those with AA and CA genotypes. Highly statistically significant associations were detected between IVS4+44 C/A polymorphism in the DMT1 gene and iron and lead levels (p=0.001 and p=0.036, respectively), but no association was found with cadmium level (p=0.344). This study suggested that DMT1 IVS4+44 C/A polymorphism is associated with inter-individual variations in blood iron, lead and cadmium levels.

PERBEDAAN LAMA WAKTU PAlANAN TERHADAP KANDUNGAN TIMBAL PADA MAKANAN JAlANANGORENGAN YANG DIJUAL DI ALUN-ALUN KOTA MADIUN TAHUN 2014

One of the pollutants produced by motor vehicles is lead (Pb). Lead (Pb) is a toxic anddangerous heavy metal to the environment and have a systemic impact in human bodies. Lead (Pb) canenter the body through inhalation, snacks sold on the roadside without cover. This will be even moredangerous if the food is exposed for a long time. The purpose of this research was to determine the levelsof lead (Pb) in snacks based on exposure time during peddling in Madiun square in 2014.The research followed pre-experimental design using posttest only protocol. Data collection wasdone by sampling, documentation and observation. The population under study was the food peddlers offried soybean cakes along the roadside around Madiun square. The samples to be examined were friedsoybean cakes, in 3 replications and to be performed 3 times in each treatment and the exposure time ofthe 9 samples. Sampling was drawn by random sampling and data was to subjected to descriptiveanalysis.The results obtained from this research include the facts that all samples did contain heavymetals lead (Pb). The average levels of lead (Pb) before exposure was &lt;0.01 .rnq / I, after an hourexposure was 0,021 mg / I, and after 2 hours of exposure was 0,033 mg / I. The concentration of lead(Pb) remained below the designated requirement, the Threshold Limit Value established by the DirectorGeneral of POMNo. HK.00.06.1.52.4011 regarding the maximum limit of lead metal contamination in food.One way ANOVA statistical test results obtained (p) &gt; a so that HO means no Significant differencebetween exposure times i.e. a hours, 1 hour, and 2 hours in term of the lead content.The conclusion of this study is: there was no significant difference in lead content in snacks,namely the soybean cakes with the exposure time of 0 hours, 1 hour, and 2 hours, although there was anincrease based on the length of exposure time. Pedlers are encouraged to use a cloth cover / Stelling toreduce contamination of lead (Pb). Further research is necessaryto study the aerial concentration of leadin Madiun square.

Cascading impacts of anthropogenically driven habitat loss: deforestation, flooding, and possible lead poisoning in howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra).

To construct informed conservation plans, researchers must go beyond understanding readily apparent threats such as habitat loss and bush-meat hunting. They must predict subtle and cascading effects of anthropogenic environmental modifications. This study considered a potential cascading effect of deforestation on the howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) of Balancán, Mexico. Deforestation intensifies flooding. Thus, we predicted that increased flooding of the Usumacinta River, which creates large bodies of water that slowly evaporate, would produce increased lead content in the soils and plants, resulting in lead exposure in the howler monkeys. The average lead levels were 18.18 ± 6.76 ppm in the soils and 5.85 ± 4.37 ppm in the plants. However, the average lead content of the hair of 13 captured howler monkeys was 24.12 ± 5.84 ppm. The lead levels in the animals were correlated with 2 of 15 blood traits (lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin) previously documented to be associated with exposure to lead. Our research illustrates the urgent need to set reference values indicating when adverse impacts of high environmental lead levels occur, whether anthropogenic or natural, and the need to evaluate possible cascading effects of deforestation on primates.

Toxic metal levels in children residing in a smelting craft village in Vietnam: a pilot biomonitoring study

BackgroundIn Vietnam, environmental pollution caused by small-scale domestic smelting of automobile batteries into lead ingot is a growing concern. The village of Nghia Lo is a smelting craft village located roughly 25 km southeast of Hanoi in the Red River Delta. Despite the concern of toxic metal exposure in the village, biomonitoring among susceptible populations, such as children, has not been previously conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the body burden of toxic metals in children residing in a smelting craft village.MethodsTwenty children from Nghia Lo, Vietnam, ages 18 months to four years were selected for capillary whole blood and toenail biomonitoring. Whole blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured using a portable lead analyzer, and toenail levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and mercury were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.ResultsThe findings show that all of the 20 children had detectable BLLs, and every child had levels that exceeded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline level of 5 μg/dL. Eighty percent of tested subjects had BLLs higher than 10 μg/dL. Five children (25%) had BLLs greater than 45 μg/dL, the level of recommended medical intervention. In addition to blood lead, all of the children had detectable levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and mercury in toenail samples. Notably, average toenail lead, manganese, and mercury levels were 157 μg/g, 7.41 μg/g, and 2.63 μg/g respectively, well above levels previously reported in children. Significant Spearman’s rank correlations showed that there were relationships between blood and toenail lead levels (r = 0.65, p < 0.05), toenail levels of lead and cadmium (r = 0.66, p < 0.05), and toenail levels of manganese and chromium (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Linear regression showed that reducing the distance to the nearest active smelter by half was associated with a 116% increase in BLL (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results suggest that children in battery recycling and smelting craft villages in Vietnam are co-exposed to toxic metals. There is an urgent need for mitigation to control metal exposure related to domestic smelting.

Changes in Premature Infant Mercury and Lead Blood Levels after Blood Transfusions

To describe the blood level changes of mercury and lead after packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions in ≤ 750 g birth weight infants. Heavy metal blood levels were measured in infants in PRBC units on 1st, 4th, 5th, and 7th days (D1, D4, D5, and D7) of life and in urine on D1, D4, and D7. A total of 10 infants were enrolled with a mean birth weight of 632 ± 72 g. Out of which nine infants received one or more PRBC transfusions, with an average of 2.9 ± 2.5 transfusions per infant. Heavy metals were detected in all the transfusions. The average mercury level was 1.33 µg/L on D1 and 1.66 µg/L on D7, p > 0.05. The average lead level was 0.32 µg/dL on D1 and 0.56 µg/dL on D7, p > 0.05. Urinary mercury excretion increased in infants with no bowel movements. Urinary excretion of lead decreased over time as blood levels increased. After receiving blood transfusions, the blood levels of mercury and lead were maintained at the end of the 1st week of life. As there is no evidence of a proportionate increase in excretory amounts of these heavy metals, there is a concern that they are retained and potentially exert toxic effects.

Evaluation of mercury and lead content in the liver of the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) population of Kis-Balaton, Hungary

Mercury and lead concentrations were measured in the livers of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis), an aquatic bird species living and nesting in the special, highly protected nature conservation area of Kis-Balaton, Hungary. The measurements of metal concentrations were performed by atomic absorption spectrometry using the cold vapour method for mercury and the electrothermal method for lead. Mercury concentrations in the livers were significantly higher in the adult population (4.479 ± 3.336 mg/kg dry matter, DM) than in the juvenile birds (2.682 ± 2.087 mg/kg DM), indicating an increase of bioaccumulation with age. A similar pattern was not observed for lead. There were no statistical differences between males and females either in mercury or in lead concentrations. The average levels of mercury (3.580 ± 2.906 mg/kg DM) and lead (0.746 ± 0.499 mg/kg DM) were statistically different in the liver. No correlation was found between the concentrations of the two heavy metals. Recently, the wild birds have been chronically exposed to subtoxic amounts of metals which have a tendency to accumulate especially in the soft tissues.