Health Effects Of Lead Research Articles

A Review on Lead Sources, Occurrences, Health Effects, and Treatment Using Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Adsorbent Made from Fish Waste

The issues of heavy metal contamination in water sources have been increasing substantially along with the rapid pace of industrial revolution. Lead, particularly, is one of the heavy metals that received considerable attention lately due to its frequent detection in the environment and hazardous effects. Although conventional water treatment processes had been utilized for ages, it is still a challenge to remove lead in the treatment plant effectively. In line with the advancement of chemistry and nanotechnology, the study on hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder made from fish waste (skin, bones, and scales) has brought to its beneficial use as an adsorbent for lead removal in water. This paper reviews on the sources, occurrences, and health effects of lead as well as the treatment of lead using HAp adsorbent for its removal in water.

Historical documentation of lead toxicity prior to the 20th century in English literature.

Lead is a heavy metal that remains a persistent environmental toxin. Although there have been a substantial number of reviews published on the health effects of lead, these reviews have predominantly focused on recent publications and rarely look at older, more historical articles. Old documents on lead can provide useful insight in establishing the historical context of lead usage and its modes of toxicity. The objective of this review is to explore historical understandings and uses of lead prior to the 20th century. One hundred eighty-eight English language articles that were published before the year 1900 were included in this review. Major themes in historical documentation of lead toxicology include lead's use in medical treatments, symptoms of lead poisoning, treatments for lead poisoning, occupational lead poisonings, and lead contamination in food and drinking water. The results of this review indicate that lead's usage was widespread throughout the 19th century, and its toxic properties were well-known. Common symptoms of lead poisoning and suggested treatments were identified during this time period. This review provides important insight into the knowledge and uses of lead before the 20th century and can serve as a resource for researchers looking at the history of lead.

The attributable annual health costs of U.S. occupational lead poisoning.

BackgroundU.S. occupational lead standards have not changed for decades, while knowledge about lead’s health effects has grown substantially.ObjectiveThe objective of this analysis was twofold: to estimate the attributable annual societal costs of health damages associated with occupationally lead-exposed U.S. workers and, more broadly, to develop methods for a fuller valuation of health damages.MethodsI combined data voluntarily reported to NIOSH on the number of highly exposed workers with published literature on the health effects of lead in adults to estimate the potential health benefits of lowering the U.S. occupational limit. I developed simple algorithms for monetizing more fully both the direct medical and indirect (productivity) damages associated with those high lead exposures.ResultsI estimated direct medical costs of $141 million (2014US$) per year for 16 categories of health endpoints, and combined direct and indirect costs of over $392 million (2014US$) per year for the 10,000 or so U.S. workers with high occupational lead exposures.ConclusionsReducing allowable occupational lead limits produces annual societal benefits of almost $40,000 per highly exposed worker. Given underreporting of actual exposures and the omission of important health effects, this is likely a severe underestimate.

Misled about lead: an assessment of online public health education material from Australia's lead mining and smelting towns.

BackgroundThis study assesses the accuracy and comprehensiveness of online public health education materials from the three Australian cities with active lead mines and or smelters: Broken Hill, Mount Isa and Port Pirie.MethodsQualitative content analysis of online Australian material with comparison to international best practice where possible.ResultsAll materials provided incomplete information about the health effects of lead and pathways of exposure compared to best practice materials. Inconsistent strategies to reduce exposure to lead were identified among the Australian cities, and some evidence-based best practices were not included. The materials normalised environmental lead and neglected to identify that there is no safe level of lead, or that primary prevention is the best strategy for protecting children’s health.ConclusionsHealth education materials need to clearly state health risks from lead across developmental stages and for sensitive populations, integrate a primary prevention perspective, and provide comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for reducing lead exposure in and around the home. Families who rely on information provided by these online public education materials are likely to be inadequately informed about the importance of protecting their children from exposure to lead and strategies for doing so.

Toward a Global Perspective: Lessons from America’s ‘Century of Lead’

For much of the twentieth century, the United States led the world in both the production of lead products AND the study of lead’s risks. Having brought its own exposures to its lowest levels in a century, America has not taken the lead in continuing that environmental cleansing to the rest of the world. This talk surveys the history of lead and lead poisoning in America and Europe from the late 19th century to the early 21st , focusing on the changing nature of exposures, the creation of knowledge about the health effects of lead, and the regulatory efforts to minimize those health consequences. A century ago, the United States overtook other nations in the production and consumption of lead, but it lagged far behind Europe in keeping its workers safe. The unique dangers of tetraethyl lead, introduced in the mid-1920s, forced America to take a leadership role in the industrial toxicology, and eventually the public health epidemiology of lead. The decades since the 1960s saw a revolution in the definition...

Sunset for Leaded Aviation Gasoline?

Flying in a small piston-engine plane bears little resemblance to flying in a commercial jet. There are no lines at the airport, no baggage checks, and often less legroom once you duck inside the cabin. You can feel every bump in the tarmac as the plane heads down the runway, every rumble of the engine. Once you are aloft there’s no denying the improbability of flight; the low cruising altitude offers detailed views of the land passing below. The experience is more like traveling in an airborne car than in the insulated cocoon of an airliner. For passengers like this writer, it’s also much more fun. There’s another less obvious difference. Unlike commercial jets, which use kerosene-based jet fuel, piston-engine aircraft still mostly run on leaded aviation gasoline, or avgas. In fact, avgas is one of the few fuels in the United States that still contain lead,1 leaving it the single largest source of lead emissions in the country, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).2,3 Concern over the health effects of lead has sparked a contentious effort to finally get the lead out of avgas—something the aviation and petroleum industries have been attempting for more than two decades, to no avail.

Low-level environmental lead exposure and intellectual impairment in children — The current concepts of risk assessment

Lead is an environmental contaminant. The majority of epidemiological research on the health effects of lead has been focused on children, because they are more vulnerable to lead than adults. In children, an elevated blood lead (B-Pb) is associated with reduced Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score. This paper summarizes the current opinions on the assessment of the health risk connected with the children's environmental exposure to lead. The B-Pb level of concern of 100 μg/l proposed by the US Centers of Disease Control in 1991 was for a long time accepted as the guideline value. In the meantime there has been a significant worldwide decrease of B-Pb levels in children and present geometric mean values in the European countries range from 20 to 30 μg/l. The recent analyses of the association of intelligence test scores and B-Pb levels have revealed that the steepest declines in IQ occur at blood levels < 100 μg/l and that no threshold below which lead does not cause neurodevelopmental toxicity can be defended. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2010, on the basis of results of Benchmark Dose (BMD) analysis, that an increase in B-Pb of 12 μg/l (BMDL₀₁) could decrease the IQ score by one point. It seems that this value can be used as a "unit risk" to calculate the possible decrease of IQ and, consequently, influence of the low-level exposure to lead (< 100 μg/l) on the health and socioeconomic status of the exposed population.

Mental Health Issues Again Prominent on AMA Agenda

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Professional NewsFull AccessMental Health Issues Again Prominent on AMA AgendaMark MoranMark MoranSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:16 Jul 2010https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.45.14.psychnews_45_14_011AbstractThe AMA House of Delegates approved two reports by the AMA's Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) on physician suicide and on lead levels and their effects on children.Without debate or opposition the House approved an extensive report by CSAPH titled “Suicide in Physicians and Physicians-in-Training,” which concluded that “routine occurrence of burnout and mental disorders in physicians and physicians-in-training warrants examination and development of more transparent and efficient solutions.”The report was the result of a resolution brought to the House of Delegates last year by the Section Council on Psychiatry.The council performed a PubMed search of literature from 1970 to March 2010 using the terms “student/medical,” “internship and residency,” and “physicians” in combination with “mortality,” “suicide/epidemiology,” “burnout/professional,” and “stress/psychological.”The council concluded that the periods of medical school and residency are stressful; that many medical students, residents, and practicing physicians experience substantial distress, which contributes to a decline in mental health and well-being; and that physicians often face barriers to the prompt diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.In response, the council advised the formation of an expert panel to address the subject and develop specific recommendations.“Unfortunately, this is a huge problem among the medical student population,” said Ryan Ribeira, a representative from the Medical Student Section, at reference committee hearings on the report. “It's a personal issue for me as one of my own classmates decided to take his life a year ago, and the year before that a student in the class above me also committed suicide. Across the country I hear the same stories over and over again.... This is a very serious problem, and it is entirely appropriate that the AMA form an expert panel to address this issue.”A second council report, also resulting from a resolution submitted by the Section Council on Psychiatry last year, updates a 1994 report on lead levels in children.APA Treasurer David Fassler, M.D., testifies at the AMA House of Delegates last month in support of a report on health effects of lead in children. The report was the result of a resolution brought to the house by the Section Council on Psychiatry.Credit: Mark MoranThe new report noted that data since 1994 have shown impaired cognition, lowered IQ, and behavioral problems for children exposed to lead at blood concentrations below the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current “level of concern” of 10 μg/dL. One analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1988 to 2004 showed performance on cognitive tests was diminished in children with blood lead concentrations as low as 2.5 μg/dL.Also, a 2006 analysis of NHANES data specifically evaluated lower blood concentrations as a risk factor for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), finding a “significant dose-response relationship” between blood lead concentrations and ADHD.The CSAPH recommended that several policies be updated to reflect the findings of its report and proposed that the following new policy be adopted: “That our AMA urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to give priority to examining the current weight of scientific evidence regarding the range of adverse health effects associated with exposure to blood lead concentrations below the current ‘level of concern’ in order to provide appropriate guidance for physicians and public health policy, and encourage the identification of exposure pathways for children who have low blood lead concentrations, as well as effective and innovative strategies to reduce overall childhood lead exposure.”“This report offers reasonable recommendations based on data available and furthers our overall goal of enhancing awareness [of hazards associated with lead] even at levels currently considered in the acceptable range,” said APA Treasurer David Fassler, M.D., a delegate from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Both council reports can be accessed at <www.ama-assn.org/assets/meeting/2010a/a10-annotated-d.pdf>. ISSUES NewArchived

Scientific advances provide opportunities to improve pediatric environmental health

Scientific advances provide opportunities to improve pediatric environmental health

Impact of lead transport on children's blood and environmental lead levels.

A lead monitoring project was established in 1996 to monitor the environmental and health effects of lead being transported through a remote town in tarpaulin-covered trucks. Dust samples from sites on the transport route were collected at 3-6 monthly intervals between 1996 and 1999. Annual blood lead testing clinics, offering voluntary testing to children, were conducted from 1997 to 1999. Of the 55 dust samples analysed, only nine contained particles of lead concentrate and these were present at very low levels. During the project 167 children were tested. The geometic mean of blood lead levels in 1997, 1998 and 1999 were 4.5 micro g/dL, 5.0 micro g/dL and 5.1 micro g/dL, respectively (all within the normal range). Residence on the transport route was not associated with higher lead levels (P > 0.05). Lead transport was not associated with any detectable environmental contamination or increase in children's blood lead levels.

Lead exposure in radiator repair workers: a survey of Washington State radiator repair shops and review of occupational lead exposure registry data.

Radiator repair workers in Washington State have the greatest number of very elevated (> or =60 microg/dL) blood lead levels of any other worker population. The goals of this study were to determine the number of radiator repair workers potentially exposed to lead; estimate the extent of blood lead data underreporting to the Occupational Lead Exposure Registry; describe current safety and health practices in radiator repair shops; and determine appropriate intervention strategies to reduce exposure and increase employer and worker awareness. Lead exposure in Washington State's radiator repair workers was assessed by reviewing Registry data and conducting a statewide survey of radiator repair businesses. This study revealed that a total of 226 workers in Washington State (including owner-operators and all employees) conduct repair activities that could potentially result in excessive exposures to lead. Approximately 26% of radiator repair workers with elevated blood lead levels (> or =25 microg/dL) were determined to report to Washington State's Registry. This study also revealed a lack of awareness of lead's health effects, appropriate industrial hygiene controls, and the requirements of the Lead Standard. Survey respondents requested information on a variety of workplace health and safety issues and waste management; 80% requested a confidential, free-of-charge consultation. Combining data derived from an occupational health surveillance system and a statewide mail survey proved effective at characterizing lead exposures and directing public health intervention in Washington State.

Medical Surveillance of the Lead Exposed Worker

1. The "lead standards" established by OSHA for general industry in 1978 and the construction industry in 1993 require employers and clinicians to follow very specific guidelines for protecting lead exposed workers. Depending on the level of exposure, medical surveillance may be legally required. 2. Lead affects multiple body systems and can cause permanent damage. Low level exposures that in the past were thought safe are now considered hazardous as new information emerges about the toxicity of lead. 3. Lead poisoning, if undetected, often results in misdiagnosis and costly care. Adults are exposed to lead in many different workplace settings. All clinicians caring for lead exposed workers need to be informed about the health effects of lead, employer and physician responsibilities, and worker rights. 4. Occupational and environmental health nurses can help identify workers at risk and prevent lead poisoning by education and early intervention through collaboration with the workers, the employer, the company physician, and other health and safety professionals.

Employees Exposed to Lead in Washington State Nonconstruction Workplaces: A Starting Point for Hazard Surveillance

A survey of selected Washington state employers was carried out to (1) determine the number of employees working in lead-using businesses, (2) characterize processes and tasks where exposures occur, and (3) determine the number of employers familiar with the lead standard, lead health effects, and how exposures can be controlled. A total of 1822 nonconstruction employers likely to use lead were identified using Washington State Department of Labor and Industries files, telephone directories, Washington State Department of Ecology files, air sampling results from state workplace inspections, and the state's Adult Blood Lead Registry. A total of 89.5% of employers returned the mail questionnaire. Of 789 employers responding that they engaged in lead-using tasks, 45% stated they were aware there was an Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard for lead, 21% had done air sampling for lead, 17% had done blood-lead screening, and 76% reported some type of industrial hygiene measures to control exposures. The most commonly reported lead-using activities included soldering; auto repair; scrap metal handling; sanding; cutting or welding surfaces coated with leaded materials; painting with leaded paints; and radiator repair. A total of 18,970 nonconstruction workers (and 9416 construction workers) were estimated to be lead-exposed in Washington in 1995. Identification of potentially exposed workers through hazard surveillance and characterization of workplace knowledge and practices (through survey and the registry) has allowed the Department of Labor and Industries to target resources toward industries most in need of exposure reduction efforts.

Employees exposed to lead in Washington state nonconstruction workplaces: a starting point for hazard surveillance.

A survey of selected Washington state employers was carried out to (1) determine the number of employees working in lead-using businesses, (2) characterize processes and tasks where exposures occur, and (3) determine the number of employers familiar with the lead standard, lead health effects, and how exposures can be controlled. A total of 1822 nonconstruction employers likely to use lead were identified using Washington State Department of Labor and Industries files, telephone directories, Washington State Department of Ecology files, air sampling results from state workplace inspections, and the state's Adult Blood Lead Registry. A total of 89.5% of employers returned the mail questionnaire. Of 789 employers responding that they engaged in lead-using tasks, 45% stated they were aware there was an Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard for lead, 21% had done air sampling for lead, 17% had done blood-lead screening, and 76% reported some type of industrial hygiene measures to control exposures. The most commonly reported lead-using activities included soldering; auto repair; scrap metal handling; sanding; cutting or welding surfaces coated with leaded materials; painting with leaded paints; and radiator repair. A total of 18,970 nonconstruction workers (and 9416 construction workers) were estimated to be lead-exposed in Washington in 1995. Identification of potentially exposed workers through hazard surveillance and characterization of workplace knowledge and practices (through survey and the registry) has allowed the Department of Labor and Industries to target resources toward industries most in need of exposure reduction efforts.

A Study of the Specificaton of the Log-Log and Log-Additive Models for the Relationship between Blood Lead and Environmental Lead

A Monte Carlo study was used to investigate the applicability of the log-log and log-additive models in predicting children's blood-lead levels (PbB). The data used in this study included information on the lead exposure history of over 700 children between birth and 5 years of age. The relationships between blood lead and the amount of lead on hands and the concentrations of lead in soil, paint, and dust were the major concern of this research. A simulation study was designed, based on the data collected under the auspices of the "Health Effects of Lead on Child Development" Program Project (LPP) and both models for PbB. Data were simulated in the study to follow either the log-log or logadditive model and were subsequently analyzed under situations of both correct and incorrect specification. This simulation explored whether and by what means a misspecified model may be detected. The distributions of the residuals from both models were tested for deviation from random error. As a test of the simulation results, three existing cohorts' data were analyzed-the Cincinnati LPP, the Cincinnati Soil Lead Abatement Demonstration Project data, and data collected by the Telluride, Colorado, Project. The log-log model was found to be the better model, except for post-abatement data. It was found that an incorrect population model specification can be detected more than 80% of the time using the criterion of a quadratic fit to the incorrect model's residuals.

Health effects of lead at low exposure levels in children

Health effects of lead at low exposure levels in children

Health effects of lead at low exposure levels in children

Health effects of lead at low exposure levels in children

In Vivo X-Ray Fluorescence of Bone Lead in the Study of Human Lead Metabolism: Serum Lead, Whole Blood Lead, Bone Lead, and Cumulative Exposure

Traditionally, clinical studies of lead's effect on health have relied on blood lead levels to indicate lead exposure. However, this is unsatisfactory because blood lead levels have a half-life of approximately 5 weeks (Rabinowitz et al., 1976), and thus reflect recent exposure. Over 90% of the lead body burden is in bone, and it is thought to have a long residence time, thus implying that measurements of bone lead reflect cumulative exposure (Barry, 1975). So, measurements of bone lead are useful m understanding the long-term health effects of lead.

The Health Effects of Low Level Exposure to Lead

Eight years ago, the problem of low level lead exposure in children was reviewed in the Annual Review of Public Health (65). (The term "low level" refers to exposure that is below those at which clinical signs of lead poisoning are apparent. ) Since that time, knowledge about lead's health effects , bio­ chemical toxicology, and sources and routes to people has grown ex­ ponentially. Real progress in lowering environmental levels of lead has been achieved, notably through the virtual ban on leaded gasoline . In some sectors, particularly housing, efforts to abate lead have failed completely. But, despite increased recognition of the widespread distribution of lead, islands of igno­ rance about its effects at low dose persist. Many modem pediatric textbooks contain discussions of the diagnosis and treatment of frank lead poisoning, but do not mention effects of lead at lesser dose. In this review , we examine some of the newer biomedical and epidemiolog­ ical information about lead at low dose and evaluate the recent studies . We then suggest some policy actions to redress the imbalance between the broad knowledge of lead's dangers and the limited steps to eliminate them.

Lead health effects in drinking water.

Lead health effects in drinking water.