BPb Levels Research Articles

Lead, cadmium, and mercury blood levels in schoolchildren in southern Sweden: Time trends over the last decades

To prevent diseases arising from exposure to toxic metals, more knowledge about their temporal changes is needed, especially in children, the most vulnerable group.This study follows temporal changes in blood lead (BPb), mercury (BHg) and cadmium (BCd) levels in schoolchildren (8–11 years old) from two cities in southern Sweden. One blood sample per 773 children was used for time trend analyses between 2007 and 2022. One further blood sample re-sampled after 2 years, were used to assess intra-individual time trends of BPb (n = 377), BCd (n = 102) and BHg (n = 53) between 1979 and 2019.Geometric mean (range) of BPb, BCd and BHg concentrations during 2007–2022 was 9.9 (2.3–59), 0.09 (0.03–0.34) and 0.73 (0.02–8.2) μg/L, respectively. Living close to a Pb smelter resulted in higher levels of all three metals compared with living in the city or rural area. Annually, the concentrations clearly decreased for BPb (−4.9%, p < 0.001) and weakly for BCd (−0.6%, p = 0.013), while BHg slightly increased (+1.4%, p = 0.029). When stratified by residential area, the decrease of BCd and increase of BHg were significant only in the urban area (−1.8% and +2.8%, respectively; p < 0.01). The BPb decrease rate was the highest in the urban area followed by the rural and Pb smelter areas (−5.8% > -4.5% > -3.9%; p < 0.001). For children re-analysed during 1979–2019, a significant decrease was observed only for BPb (−6.8%; p < 0.001), with a 2% higher decrease rate in the period before than after the Pb-gasoline ban in 1994.The preventive measures against Pb pollution are reflected in the constant decrease of BPb levels over time. However, the area close to a Pb smelter, as indicated by a slower Pb decrease rate, might need further and stricter preventive measures. Exposure to Hg and Cd was low, however, the slight increase in BHg and only a minor decrease in BCd, indicate the need for continuous biomonitoring of children.

Maternal Iron Deficiency and Environmental Lead (Pb) Exposure Alter the Predictive Value of Blood Pb Levels on Brain Pb Burden in the Offspring in a Dietary Mouse Model: An Important Consideration for Cumulative Risk in Development.

Maternal iron deficiency (ID) and environmental lead (Pb) exposure are co-occurring insults that both affect the neurodevelopment of offspring. Few studies have investigated how ID affects brain-region-specific Pb accumulations using human-relevant Pb concentrations. Furthermore, how these Pb exposures impact blood and brain Fe levels remains unclear. Importantly, we also wanted to determine whether the use of blood Pb levels as a surrogate for the brain Pb burden is affected by underlying iron status. We exposed virgin Swiss Webster female mice to one of six conditions differing by iron diet and Pb water concentration (0 ppm, 19 ppm, or 50 ppm lead acetate) and used Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to measure the maternal and offspring circulating, stored, and brain Pb levels. We found that maternal ID rendered the offspring iron-deficient anemic and led to a region-specific depletion of brain Fe that was exacerbated by Pb in a dose-specific manner. The postnatal iron deficiency anemia also exacerbated cortical and hippocampal Pb accumulation. Interestingly, BPb levels only correlated with the brain Pb burden in ID pups but not in IN offspring. We conclude that ID significantly increases the brain Pb burden and that BPb levels alone are insufficient as a clinical surrogate to make extrapolations on the brain Pb burden.

Impact of lead exposure on the thyroid glands of individuals living in high- or low-lead exposure areas.

Ecuador was an endemic area for iodine deficiency; however, due to the population consumption of iodized table salt, the country is nowadays considered iodine sufficient. Despite the population consumption of iodized salt for more than 50 years, the prevalence of hypothyroidism has increased in recent years. A similar increment has been reported for thyroid cancer (TC) becoming the second most common cancer in women and seventh most common cancer in men. High blood lead (BPb) level is a controversial causal factor for impaired thyroid function as well as a debated environmental cause for the increased incidence of TC. To study the association between BPb and thyroid function, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies, and the presence of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in Ecuadorian individuals living in high lead exposure (HE) areas compared with those living in low lead exposure (LE) area. We evaluated 197 euthyroid individuals: 70 from Esmeraldas (close to a petrol refinery) and 27 from La Victoria de Pujilí (Pb-glazing ceramics), considered HE areas, and 100 from Quito, considered the LE area. In parallel, we evaluated 187 patients with hypothyroidism (60, 27, and 100 patients from Esmeraldas, Pujilí, and Quito, respectively). BPb was detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free-thyroxine (FT4), and autoantibodies were measured using chemiluminescence assays. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed in 300 individuals and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) was performed only when required based on the guidelines of the American Thyroid Association. The BPb levels (mean ± SD) in the HE areas were increased (8.5 ± 7.4) than those in the LE area (3.2 ± 2.4, P < .001). No significant associations were observed between BPb and TSH, FT4, or thyroid antibody levels. Enlarged thyroid glands and larger thyroid nodules were primarily observed in HE areas. Just 1 TC was observed. High BPb levels detected in HE areas were not associated with thyroid function or thyroid autoantibodies; however, increased thyroid size and numbers of thyroid nodules were observed, demanding further actions to control lead contamination in these Ecuadorian areas.

Relation of blood lead levels and lead in gasoline: an updated systematic review

BackgroundMillions of tons of lead were added to gasoline worldwide beginning in 1922, and leaded gasoline has been a major source of population lead exposure. In 1960s, lead began to be removed from automotive gasoline. Removal was completed in 2021.ObjectivesTo determine whether removal of lead from automotive gasoline is associated with declines in population mean blood lead levels (BPb).MethodsWe examined published studies that reported population blood leaded levels for two or more years, and we calculated average concentrations of lead in gasoline corresponding to the years and locations of the blood lead level measurements.ResultsRemoval of lead from gasoline is associated with declines in BPb in all countries examined. In some countries, BPb continues to fall after lead has been eliminated from gasoline. Following elimination of lead from gasoline, BPb less than 1 μg/dL have been observed in several European and North American countries, and BPb less than 3 μg/dL have been documented in several studies from South America.DiscussionThere remain many countries for which no multi-year studies of populations BPb have been identified, including all of Central America, high population countries including Pakistan and Indonesia, and major lead producers including Australia and Russia.ConclusionRemoval of lead from gasoline has been a public health success. Elimination of lead from gasoline has enabled many countries to achieve population mean BPb levels of 1 μg/dL or lower. These actions have saved lives, increased children’s intelligence and created great economic benefit in countries worldwide.

Adsorption characteristics of six bisphenol compounds on magnetic three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials and their use in effervescent reaction-assisted dispersive microextraction

Herein, we successfully prepared magnetic Co/Ni-based N-doped 3D carbon nanotubes and graphene nanocomposites (CoNi@NGC) using a simple high-temperature calcination method. The CoNi@NGC nanocomposites were used as adsorbents to study their adsorption performances and underlying kinetic mechanisms for six types of bisphenol compounds (BPs) in water. They were also used as extractants, and acid-base effervescent tablets were used to enhance extractant dispersion with the aid of vigorous CO2 bubbling. Thus, a novel pretreatment method was developed, denoted effervescent reaction-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (ER-DSM), which was combined with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) to rapidly quantify trace-level BPs in several drinks. The morphology and structure of the CoNi@NGC adsorbent were characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N2 adsorption and desorption (BET-BJH), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The CoNi@NGC nanocomposites were successfully doped with N and exhibited large specific surface areas (109.42 m2/g), abundant pores, and strong magnetic properties (17.98 emu/g).Key parameters were rigorously optimized to maximize the adsorption performance of CoNi@NGC, including adsorbent dosage, solution pH, temperature, and time. Under the constant conditions of pH=7, 5 mg of CoNi@NGC, initial BP concentrations of 5 mg/L, and 5 min of shaking at 298 K, the adsorption percentages of bisphenol M (BPM) and bisphenol A (BPA) reached respective maxima of 99.01% and 98.21%. Remarkably, those of bisphenol Z (BPZ), BPA, and BPM reached almost 100% after 90 min. The adsorption between the BPs and CoNi@NGC was mainly governed by hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and π-π conjugation. The entire adsorption process was consistent with Freundlich adsorption and a quasi-second-order kinetic equation, representing spontaneous adsorption. Via integration with HPLC-FLD, ER-DSM was used to rapidly extract and analyze trace-level BPs in six types of boxed drinks. Critical factors were optimized individually, including the type of eluent and elution time and volume, which influenced the enrichment effect. Under the optimized extraction conditions (pH=7, 5 mg CoNi@NGC, elution with 2 mL acetone for 6 min), the limits of detection and quantification of the novel extraction method were 0.06-0.20 and 0.20-0.66 μg/L, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions spanned the ranges 1.44%-4.76% and 1.69%-5.36%, respectively, and the recoveries in the actual samples were in the range 82.4%-103.7%. Moreover, the respective residual levels of BPA and BPB in peach juice samples were 2.09 and 1.37 μg/L. Regeneration studies revealed that the CoNi@NGC adsorbent could be reused at least five times, which significantly reduced the cost of evaluation. In summary, compared to other methods, this method displays the advantages of a high sensitivity, rapid extraction, and environmental friendliness, thereby exhibiting considerable potential for use in conventional monitoring of trace-level BPs in food matrices.

Effects of lead exposure on biomarkers of thyroid and renal function tests among panel beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.

Occupational lead (Pb) exposure causes multisystem effects at high and sustained low doses. However, there are inconsistencies in the dose-response effects on the thyroid and kidneys. This study aimed to assess the effects of Pb exposure on the biomarkers of thyroid and renal functions among panel beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 428-panel beaters selected using a multistage sampling technique. Blood lead (BPb), thyroid, and kidney biomarkers were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer at 238.3 nm wavelength, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and automated chemistry analyzer, respectively. Analyses were performed using median, mean, Chi-square, correlation, and statistical significance. The median BPb levels were 10.0 μg/dl among participants with about half, 211 (49.3%) having BPb within reference levels. Though the mean values of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and creatinine (Cr) were within the reference values, the majority of 275 (64.25%) of the participants had non-euthyroid statuses. Significant differences were found in TSH (P = 0.001), thyroid status (P = 0.0129), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.00384) between those with BPb within reference level and those with elevated levels. Though the mean levels of thyroid hormones and Cr were within their respective reference intervals, there was a preponderance of non-euthyroid status among participants in the present study with the majority of the participants falling within CKD grades 2 and 3.

Association among Helicobacter pylori Infection, Tooth Loss, and Heavy Medal Exposure in a Chinese Rural Population.

Previous research suggests that heavy metals may be associated with increased susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection. This study investigated the effect of heavy metal exposure (Pb and Cd) on tooth loss and H. pylori infection in a Chinese rural population, who live near a mining and smelting area. Blood samples were collected from the study participants to estimate the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure levels. H. pylori infection was analyzed using the 14C-urea breath test, and the number of missing teeth (MT), filled teeth (FT), and missing or filled teeth (MFT) were counted by conducting a physical examination. Regression analysis was used to assess the difference between H. pylori-positive and -negative individuals in the MT, FT, and MFT groups, adjusting for confounders. The H. pylori infection prevalence was higher in individuals in the high Cd or high Pb groups than that in the low Cd or low Pb groups (p < 0.05). In addition, greater numbers of FT and MFT were observed in individuals in the high Pb group than those in the low Pb group (p < 0.05). We further found 8.7% (95% CI, 2.8–23.8%, p = 0.017) of the effect of the high BPb level on H. pylori infection risk could be statistically explained by FT using amediation analyses in adjusted models, and 6.8% (95% CI, 1.6–24.8%, p = 0.066) by MFT. Furthermore, FT and MFT were significantly associated with increased risk for H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) = 4.938, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.125–21.671; OR = 3.602, 95% CI: 1.218–10.648, respectively). Pb and Cd exposure may be associated with tooth loss and increased susceptibility to H. pylori infection, and tooth loss may be an independent risk factor for H. pylori infection.

Elevated blood Lead impairs the Hematological and Heme Biosynthesis related parameters of Silver Jewellery Workers

To see the present scenario of blood lead (BPb) levels of Silver Jewellery Workers (SJW) and its effects on haematological and heme biosynthesis parameters. Forty-two SJW of having an age range of 20-45 years were included for this study and compared with 50 healthy male subjects of the same age. Blood lead, RBC δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALDH), urinary δ- aminolevulinic acid (U- δ-ALA), urinary porphobilinogen (U-PBG) and haematological parameters were measured. Blood lead level of silver jewellery workers was significantly elevated (p&lt;0.001, 325%) and non-activated δ-ALAD (p&lt;0.01), activated δ-ALAD (p&lt;0.05) were notably reduced and the ratio of A/NA δ-ALAD (p&lt;0.01) was considerably enlarged in SJW as compared to control group subjects. Urinary excretion of δ-ALA (p&lt;0.001) and PBG (p&lt;0.001) levels were extensively increased in SJW as compared to subjects from the control group. Hb (p&lt;0.001), PCV (p&lt;0.001), MCV (p&lt;0.001), MCH (p&lt;0.05) and RBC (p&lt;0.001) were notably reduced in SJW, while total WBC count (p&lt;0.001, 29.8%) was considerably elevated as compared to subjects from the control group. Conclusions: Increased BPb level in SJW indicates the more absorption of lead from the GIT, which inhibits heme biosynthesis, and alters haematological parameters.

Assessment of Risk Behaviors and Toxic Heavy Metals Exposure of Car Dye Workers in Repairing Services in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The main objective of this study was to determine blood cadmium (BCd) and blood lead (BPb) contents for 16 car dye workers in repairing service and compared to those of 16 controls (non-occupational exposed subjects) in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Strong wet acid digestion method was applied to digest whole blood samples using a mixture H2O2 (50% v/v) and HNO3 (65% v/v) with a volume ration (1:2). Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine these toxic metals in collected whole blood samples. The recorded mean of BCd and BPb contents in subjected painters were higher levels compared to the control group. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) contents of BCd and BPb of painters were 2.93±2.35 μg/L and 32.19±16.95 μg/L, respectively. The mean ± SD contents of BCd and BPb of controls were 0.870±0.34 μg/L and 22.46±12.55 μg/L, respectively. A set of formal investigation questionnaire was performed to know participants history profile, smoking status, clinical profile, the risk behaviors at the workplace, and occurrence symptoms. The results showed that the percentages of occurrence of most investigated symptoms (especially respiratory and musculoskeletal) system on the experimental painters were significantly (p-value = 0.016) higher than those symptoms of the control group. The collected data on risk behaviors confirmed that personal protection equipment (PPE) had not been concerned by most of the experimental painters. Duration of work (years), and the use of PPE (wearing a respirator) were noticeably associated with BCd and BPb levels of painters.

Urinary concentrations of bisphenol analogues and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Background: Under the label of “bisphenol A (BPA)-free”, a group of bisphenol analogues that are structurally similar to BPA have been developed as the alternatives for industrial applications. Bisphenol analogues are endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and lead to growing concerns upon the potential adverse effects on humans, especially for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and infants. Unfortunately, evidence on the association between bisphenol analogues and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) in pregnant women is still scarce. Objective: Our goal was to explore the associations between the urinary concentrations of bisphenol analogues in pregnant women and the risk of URSA. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study on URSA was carried out in eastern China during 2015 to 2017. The cases were women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage for at least 2 consecutive pregnancies. The controls were women who had normal pregnancy without history of miscarriage. Concentrations of eight bisphenol analogues (A, AF, AP, B, F, P, S, and Z) were measured in the urine samples collected from 775 women (366 URSA cases and 409 controls). A multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between urinary bisphenol analogues and URSA. Results: Significantly higher urinary levels of BPA, BPAF, BPAP, BPB, and BPP were found in the URSA women than in the controls (p&lt;0.01). Increased risks of URSA were associated with higher urinary levels of BPAF (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.76 for the medium tertile, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 2.72; adjusted OR=1.87 for the highest tertile, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.93), and a test of the trend for the association was statistically significant (p trend=0.0107). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that prenatal exposure to bisphenol analogues may be associated with URSA risk in a dose-response pattern.

Evaluation of serum prestin as a new potential biomarker for hearing damage due to lead exposure in population from Tlaxcala, Mexico

Aim: Evaluate serum prestin and the relation with hearing damage in participants exposed to environmental and occupational lead from Tlaxcala Mexico. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 315 participants from Tlaxcala, Mexico. Blood samples were obtained in fasting conditions. Blood lead levels (BPb) were evaluated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Proteins were quantified in serum using a double site recognition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Auditory function was evaluated in for the frequencies 1 to 8 kHz, in a soundproof chamber. This study was approved by the IMSS´s Scientific and Ethical Research Committee (2016-0601) and by CINVESTAV’s Committee of Health Bioethics in Human Beings (264264). Results: Participants were classified according to BPb levels; group I (&lt;10 µg/dl) with a BPb median of 6 µg/dl (IQR 3.9-7.7) and group II (&gt;10 µg/dl) with a BPb median of 20.7 µg/dl (IQR 14.6-28.6) with significant differences between both groups. Prestin median concentration in group I was 4.63 ng/ml (IQR 0.09-14.8), and 0.13 ng/ml (IQR 0.02-12.1) for group II with statistical differences. The median hearing threshold for the group I was 13.7 dB (IQR 9.1-22.5), and group II was 17.5 dB (IQR 11.6-25). Multiple linear regression models for hearing thresholds and prestin were calculated (β -0.24, p&lt;0.05) with an R2=0.11, p&lt; 0.001, models were adjusted by age. Conclusions: Our data indicate that lead exposure is related to an increase in hearing threshold, and prestin protein decreased according to the hearing threshold increase. This is the first study to evaluate prestin as a potential biomarker for hearing damage due to lead exposure without noise exposure. Also, this study showed important differences between prestin concentration in women and men. The project was supported by CONACYT, Mexico 28746.

Elevated Maternal Blood Lead Level - A Risk Factor for LBW - An Observational Study

Introduction: Lead exposure is common in women. Lead stored in bones is released during pregnancy and can potentially affect foetal growth. We conducted this study to estimate the effect of maternal blood Lead (BPb) status on Low Birth Weight (LBW) in newborns.&#x0D; Methods: 168 mothers were selected from Special Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU) and Postnatal care (PNC) wards of a tertiary care hospital from Central India and their BPb levels analysed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. &#x0D; Results: 22 (13.10%) mothers having BPb level ≥ 5μg/dL gave 23 births (one twins); of which 65.22% mothers delivered babies with birth weight &lt; 2500gm (LBW) (p = 0.0007). The mean birth weight of newborns of mothers with high BPb levels was significantly lower by 269 gm (p = 0.0265). Mothers with BPb ≥ 5μg/dL delivered 39% premature babies as compared to 10 % mothers with BPb &lt; 5 μg/dL (p &lt; 0.003). Significantly more mothers exposed to kajal, nail polish, lipstick and paints had BPb levels ≥ 5μg/dL. &#x0D; Conclusion: Significant association is detected between maternal BPb and both LBW and prematurity in the given population.

The sex-specific effects of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium levels on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis: Korean nationwide cross-sectional study

AimThe potential effects of heavy metals on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain unknown. We investigated the sex-specific relationships of blood lead (BPb), mercury (BHg), and cadmium (BCd) levels with hepatic steatosis (HS) and fibrosis (HF). MethodWe included 4420 participants from the 2016–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. High-risk alcoholics and patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infections or liver cirrhosis were excluded. We calculated the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) values; we defined the presence of HS and HF as an HSI ≥ 36 and FIB-4 score >2.67, respectively. We adjusted for age, smoking and alcohol consumption statuses, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and BPb, BHg, and BCd levels. ResultIn males (n = 1860), the HSI was correlated negatively with the BPb level and positively with the BHg level (both p < 0.01). The FIB-4 score was correlated positively with the BPb and BCd levels (both p < 0.01). In females (n = 2560), the HSI and FIB-4 score were correlated positively with the BPb, BHg, and BCd levels (all p < 0.01). After adjustments, the BHg level increased the risk of HS in both males (OR = 1.065, p = 0.003) and females (OR = 1.061, p = 0.048), and the BCd level increased the risk of HF in females (OR = 1.668, p = 0.012). ConclusionBlood heavy metal levels were generally correlated positively with the HSI and FIB4 score, more so in females than males. The BHg level was associated with HS in males and females, and the BCd level was associated with HF in females. Further studies on NAFLD progression according to heavy metal status and sex are warranted.

Trace analysis of bisphenol A and its analogues in eggs by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues in various environmental matrices have been well studied by now, but there is still an insufficient data on the occurrence of BPA analogues in animal-derived foodstuffs. Hence, this work describes a quick, sensitive and reliable analytical method for the simultaneous determination of eight BPA analogues in eggs, applying a solid-phase extraction procedure with PRiME HLB cartridges that combines isolation of the analytes from matrix and the sample clean-up on a single column. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) for BPA analogues were in the ranges of 0.02–0.05 μg kg−1 and 0.1–0.2 μg kg−1, respectively. Average recoveries were ranged between 82.7% and 105.2%. Quantitative analysis was performed on 24 real samples, the results indicate that low levels of BPA, BPB and BPS were detected, and interestingly, over ten folds higher BPP contamination levels compared to BPA were found in two egg samples.

Blood lead levels in antenatal women and its association with iron deficiency anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives:Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metal prevalent in the environment, which affects almost all major organs including heart, brain, intestines, kidneys as well as reproductive organs. It has been known that serum iron deficiency is associated with increased serum lead levels as lead is a particularly pernicious element to iron metabolism. Lead is also known to freely cross the placenta too; hence, this study was planned to determine any association between antenatal iron deficiency anemia (IDA), raised blood lead levels (BPb), and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Materials and Methods:This was an observational study done on 99 antenatal women with IDA and 41 nonanemic antenatal women. Lead levels were assessed in these 140 antenatal women and they were followed for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Chi-square test was used to find a difference in quantitative variables and Pearson's correlation test was used to assess association between BPb and hemoglobin levels.Results:We found that in 11 out of 99 (11.11%) women with IDA, BPb levels were high as compared to high BPb levels in only 1 out of 41 (2.4%) women without IDA and the high BPb levels ranged from 4 μg/dl–16.9 μg/dl with a mean BPb of 8.1 μg/dl. The difference in BPb among anemic and nonanemic antenatal women was significant (P < 0.05) and there was a negative dose effect relationship between BPb levels and hemoglobin levels. This difference in antenatal outcomes among women with and without high BPb levels was also significant with increased incidence of pre-eclampsia, FGR, and preterm deliveries in women with raised BPb levels. The incidence of NICU admission was also higher in the neonates of mothers with high BPb levels.Conclusions:We propose screening of high-risk women based on their social, occupational, environmental, and personal factors, with serum lead levels in the preconception period itself. All public and personal measures must be taken to reduce lead consumption and exposure in the preconception and antenatal period.

Association of Blood Lead Levels with the Risk of Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly Chinese Population: Baseline Data of a Cohort Study.

Previous studies have reported an association between blood lead (BPb) levels and depressive symptoms in adults. However, the relationship between BPb levels and depression remains unclear in the old population. Our purpose was to investigate the association of BPb levels with depression among the old population. Data were gathered from 994 elderly persons in the Cohort Study of Elderly Health and Environmental Controllable Factors, which was created in Anhui, China. BPb was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our subjects were divided into four groups according to BPb quartiles. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between BPb levels and depression. The median (25th-75th) BPb level was 26.94μg/L (20.34μg/L-36.13μg/L). BPb levels in participants with depression were higher than those in participants without depression. The prevalence of depression was 27.64%. After multivariate adjustment for confounding factors, participants with BPb level in the highest quartile had 2.03 times higher risk of depression compared with those in the lowest quartile. In rural areas, the risk of depression in higher BPb quartile was higher than that in the lowest quartile. These findings suggest that higher BPb level was associated with increased odds of depression in the old population. This association was obvious among older people living in rural areas.

Biomonitoring chronic lead exposure among battery manufacturing workers in Tunisia.

The aim of the study was the biomonitoring of the chronic exposure to Pb by measuring its levels in blood, urine, and hair of battery workers. Blood lead (BPb), urinary lead (UPb), hair lead (HPb), and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (UALA) levels were determined for 52 workers in a battery plant and compared to those of 20 non-occupational exposed subjects (controls). BPb and UPb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). HPb levels were measured by triple quadrupole ICP-MS and UALA levels were determined using cation exchanger column. The measured levels were significantly higher compared to the controls exceeding the OSHA cutoff values (p < 0.01). The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of workers were 715μgL-1, 331μgL-1, 16.3mgg-1, and 234μgg-1, respectively. The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of controls were 93.6μgL-1, 36.3μgL-1, 1.9mgg-1, and 1.8μgg-1, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between BPb and UALA (r = 0.630, p = 0.000), UPb and UALA (r = 0.566, p = 0.000), and between BPb and HPb (r = 0.466, p = 0.004). The significant correlation between BPb and HPb suggests the usefulness of hair for assessing occupational exposure particularly when the study area presents medium to high levels of Pb pollution. The association between Pb biomarkers and potential confounding factors revealed significant influence of the occupational factor over smoking and alcohol consumption. The results of this study urge for the reinforcement of the implemented engineering controls and safety measures in order to reduce exposure and to address the health issues related to Pb poisoning.

ECG conduction disturbances and ryanodine receptor expression levels in occupational lead exposure workers

ObjectivesA significant number of researches have evidenced that occupational lead (Pb) exposure increased risks of cardiovascular disease. However, evidences about the potential effects of Pb on the cardiac conduction system...

Renal function in relation to low-level environmental lead exposure.

BackgroundNumerous studies suggested that occupational or environmental exposure to lead adversely affects renal function. However, most studies lost relevance because of the substantially lower current environmental lead exposure and all relied on serum creatinine to estimate glomerular filtration. We investigated the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), estimated from serum creatinine, cystatin C or both, with blood lead (BPb) using the baseline measurements of the ongoing Study for Promotion of Health in Recycling Lead (SPHERL; NCT02243904) in newly hired workers prior to significant occupational lead exposure.MethodsAmong 447 men (participation rate, 82.7%), we assessed the association of eGFR and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) with BPb across thirds of the BPb distribution using linear regression analysis. Fully adjusted models accounted for age, blood pressure, body mass index, the waist-to-hip ratio, smoking, the total-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, plasma glucose, serum γ-glutamyltransferase and antihypertensive drug treatment.ResultsAge averaged 28.7 (SD, 10.2) years (range, 19.1–31.8). Geometric mean BPb concentration was 4.34 μg/dL (5th–95th percentile interval, 0.9–14.8). In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, eGFR estimated from serum creatinine [mean (SD), 105.26 (15.2) mL/min/1.73 m2], serum cystatin C [mean (SD), 127.8 (13.8) mL/min/1.73 m2] or both [mean (SD), 111.9 (14.8) mL/min/1.73 m2] was not associated with BPb (P ≥ 0.36), whereas ACR [geometric mean, 4.32 mg/g (5th–95th percentile interval, 1.91–12.50)] was lower with higher BPb.ConclusionsAt the BPb levels observed in this study, there was no evidence for an association between renal function and lead exposure.

A methodological consideration for blood lead concentrations obtained from the earlobe in Japanese adults occupationally unexposed to lead

BackgroundNeuropsychological effects of considerably low levels of lead exposure are observed in children, and a reliable and possibly painless technique that can detect such levels is required for the assessment of such exposure. We examined whether the blood lead (BPb) concentrations obtained from the earlobe were as valid and useful as those from the median cubital vein.MethodsPaired blood samples were collected from the earlobe and cubital vein of 112 Japanese participants occupationally unexposed to lead, and the BPb levels were determined using ICP-MS.ResultsThe limit of detection of BPb for the ICP-MS method was 0.015 μg/dL, and there was no participant with a BPb level below this limit. The median values of BPb concentrations were 0.91 (range, 0.41–2.48) μg/dL for earlobe blood using a 175-μL capillary tube and 0.85 (0.35–2.39) μg/dL for venous blood using a 5-mL vacuum tube. There was a significant correlation between the earlobe BPb levels and cubital vein BPb levels (Spearman rank correlation rS = 0.941), though the earlobe BPb levels were significantly higher than the cubital vein BPb levels. Most of the participants regarded earlobe puncture as a painless method.ConclusionsThese data suggest that earlobe BPb levels can be used to assess lead exposure in children. Blood collection using a capillary tube should be done carefully and promptly because slow withdrawal may lead to measurement bias.