Impact Of Lead Exposure Research Articles

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

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.

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

Manage the environmental risks of perovskites

Manage the environmental risks of perovskites

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established. AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter. MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively. ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels. ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.

Impact of Lead Exposure on Thyroid Status and IQ Performance among School-age Children Living Nearby a Lead-Zinc Mine in China

BackgroundLead exposure is one of the most concerning public health problems worldwide, particularly among children. Yet the impact of chronic lead exposure on the thyroid status and related intelligence quotient performance among school-age children remained elusive. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lead exposure on the thyroid hormones, amino acid neurotransmitters balances, and intelligence quotient (IQ) among school-age children living nearby a lead-zinc mining site. Other factors such as rice lead levels, mothers’ smoking behavior, and diet intake were also investigated. MethodsA total of 255 children aged 7-12 years old were recruited in this study. Blood lead level (BLL), thyroid hormones including free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and amino acid neurotransmitters such as glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), chemiluminescence immunoassay, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Raven's standard progressive matrices (SPM) and the questionnaire were used to determine IQ and collect related influence factors. ResultsThe average BLL of children was 84.8 μg/L. The occurrence of lead intoxication (defined as the BLL ≥ 100 μg/L) was 31.8%. Serum TSH levels and IQ of lead-intoxicated children were significantly lower than those without lead toxicity. The GABA level of girls with the lead intoxication was higher than those with no lead-exposed group. Correlation analyses revealed that BLL were inversely associated with the serum TSH levels (R= -0.186, p < 0.05), but positively related with IQ grades (R = 0.147, p < 0.05). Moreover, BLL and Glu were inversely correlated with IQ. In addition, this study revealed four factors that may contribute to the incidence of lead intoxication among children, including the frequency of mother smoking (OR = 3.587, p < 0.05) and drinking un-boiled stagnant tap water (OR = 3.716, p < 0.05); eating fresh fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.323, p < 0.05) and soy products regularly (OR = 0.181, p < 0.05) may protect against lead intoxication. ConclusionLead exposure affects the serum TSH, GABA levels and IQ of school-aged children. Developing good living habits, improving environment, increasing the intake of high-quality protein and fresh vegetable and fruit may improve the condition of lead intoxication.

Knowledge Sharing of Medical Practices—Reducing the Negative Socio-Economic Effects of Lead Exposure due to Unhealthy Consumption Habits

The emergence of knowledge economy has created the necessary conditions for an interdisciplinary approach of medical practices. This paper explores, in an interdisciplinary manner, the case of lead exposure in the Romanian context. We consider it crucial to be aware of the socio-economic impact of lead exposure in Romania and prevent unhealthy consumption habits that generate economic and social costs. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the social, economic, and medical effects of lead poisoning, and, on this basis, to identify prevention recommendations. The research was conducted while using a descriptive survey based on qualitative and quantitative methods, by analyzing a group of 115 participants that were admitted in the Toxicology Department of the Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest with the diagnosis of lead exposure/intoxication. The study followed an Observational Retrospective Protocol that was based on the investigations of the participants registered in the Toxicology Department with signs and symptoms suggestive of lead exposure/intoxication. The data was statistically processed by while using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS Statistics 22. Based on our research results, we facilitated the knowledge sharing process of medical practices and formulated a series of recommendations in an interdisciplinary manner, in order to diminish the negative socio-economic effects of unhealthy consumption habits.

The problem «lead and health of workers» in the conditions of modern industry

The article describes the current state of the problem of the impact of lead exposure on the health of workers, identifies promising areas for further research. On the basis of in-depth examination of workers of lead recycling plant results stages of adaptation to lead exposure have been emphasized, necessity of establishment of new reference range of biomarkers of effect for workers exposed to lead has been proved. The importance of the correct use of personal protective equipment, personal hygiene measures, as well as the effectiveness of the use of pectin in the complex of preventive measures has been proved. Taking into account the combined effect of lead with other metals in the conditions of modern industry, the importance of assessing microelement homeostasis has been shown. The importance of expanding the range of the determined biomarkers of effect in the biological monitoring and assessment of the genetically determined sensitivity to lead exposure has been confirmed.

Neurodevelopment in Early Childhood Affected by Prenatal Lead Exposure and Iron Intake.

No safe threshold level of lead exposure in children has been recognized. Also, the information on shielding effect of maternal dietary iron intake during pregnancy on the adverse effects of prenatal lead exposure on children's postnatal neurocognitive development is very limited. We examined the association of prenatal lead exposure and neurodevelopment in children at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and the protective action of maternal dietary iron intake against the impact of lead exposure. The study participants comprise 965 pregnant women and their subsequent offspring of the total participants enrolled in the Mothers and Children's environmental health study: a prospective birth cohort study. Generalized linear model and linear mixed model analysis were performed to analyze the effect of prenatal lead exposure and mother's dietary iron intake on children's cognitive development at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Maternal late pregnancy lead was marginally associated with deficits in mental development index (MDI) of children at 6 months. Mothers having less than 75th percentile of dietary iron intake during pregnancy showed significant increase in the harmful effect of late pregnancy lead exposure on MDI at 6 months. Linear mixed model analyses showed the significant detrimental effect of prenatal lead exposure in late pregnancy on cognitive development up to 36 months in children of mothers having less dietary iron intake during pregnancy. Thus, our findings imply importance to reduce prenatal lead exposure and have adequate iron intake for better neurodevelopment in children.

Changing Blood Lead Levels and Oxidative Stress with Duration of Residence Among Taiwan Immigrants

Immigrants lack appropriate health care access and other resources needed to reduce their exposure to preventable environmental health risks. Little is known about the impact of lead exposure and oxidative stress among immigrants. Thus, this study was to examine the differences between the blood lead levels (BLLs) and oxidative stress levels of immigrants and non-immigrants, and to investigate the determinants of increased BLLs or oxidative stress levels among immigrants. We collected demographic data of 239 immigrant women and 189 non-immigrant women who resettled in the central area of Taiwan. Each study participant provided blood samples for genotyping and for measuring blood metal levels and oxidative stress. Recent immigrants were at risk for elevated BLLs. Decreased BLLs, malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased blood selenium levels were significantly associated with duration of residence in Taiwan. Elevated BLLs and MDA in recent immigrants may serve as a warning sign for the health care system. The nation's health will benefit from improved regulation of living environments, thereby improving the health of immigrants.

Impact of lead exposure on school age children in the US

Lead is a dense metal that is resistant to corrosion. Lead has various uses that have been in place since 3500 BCE such as plumbing, cosmetics, jewellery, and batteries. Today, however, lead remains a public health hazard, especially for children between the ages of 6 months to 6 years old. Children who live in lower socioeconomic regions or have emigrated to the United States (US) are considered to be at a greater risk from the negative effects of lead exposure. Lead exposure has an effect on neurological, cognitive and physical development in children. Primary prevention education is identified as the most important aspect needed to lower blood lead levels. School nurses can play an important role in educating the school community, parents, and children on the effects of lead exposure on children. This literature review focuses on the various ways lead exposure can occur, how it may affect a child's cognition and the leadership role of school nurses in the primary prevention of lead exposure among school age children.

Lead exposure and visual-motor abilities in children from Chennai, India

Lead exposure poses a major environmental hazard in India, but little information is available on the impact of lead exposure on visuo-motor development in Indian children. We hypothesize that higher blood lead levels are associated with poorer visual-motor, visual-spatial and fine motor functioning among children. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 814 school children, aged 3–7 years. Lead in whole blood was measured using the LeadCare Analyzer. The Wide Range of Visual Motor Abilities Test (WRAVMA) was administered to each child by trained examiners. The mean blood lead level was 11.4±5.3μg/dL. In multivariate analyses adjusting for mother's education level, father's education level, average monthly income, hemoglobin and sex, WRAVMA scores were inversely related to blood lead level. An increase of 10μg/dL was associated with a decrease of 2.6 points (95% CI: −4.5 to −0.7, P=0.006) in the Visual Motor Composite score and a decrease of 2.9 points (95% CI: −5.1 to −0.7, P=0.011) in the Drawing subtest. Exploration of the shape of the dose-effect relationships using spline functions indicated some non-linearities, with the steepest declines in visual-motor skills occurring at higher blood lead levels. Among urban Indian children, higher blood lead levels are associated with decreased visual-motor abilities, particularly visual-motor integration.

Lead Exposure and Its Implications for Criminological Theory

This article summarizes what is known about the association between lead exposure and human behavior and discusses the implications for criminology. It provides background information about lead sources and measurement and traces the various impacts of lead exposure on humans, including cognition and behavior. It posits that the link between lead exposure, aggression, delinquency, and crime is consistent with the traditional individual-level psychological based and aggregate-level sociological based theories that explain delinquent and criminal behavior and that differential lead exposure and treatment by neighborhood is congruent with theories of social disadvantage. It concludes by enumerating the unsettled debates about the impact of lead exposure and by outlining the profitable avenues for future criminological research.

Effects of lead exposure on hippocampal metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 and 7 in developmental rats

BackgroundA complete explanation of the mechanisms by which Pb2+ exerts toxic effects on developmental central nervous system remains unknown. Glutamate is critical to the developing brain through various subtypes of ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors have been considered as a principal target in lead-induced neurotoxicity. The relationship between mGluR3/mGluR7 and synaptic plasticity had been verified by many recent studies. The present study aimed to examine the role of mGluR3/mGluR7 in lead-induced neurotoxicity.MethodsTwenty-four adult and female rats were randomly selected and placed on control or 0.2% lead acetate during gestation and lactation. Blood lead and hippocampal lead levels of pups were analyzed at weaning to evaluate the actual lead content at the end of the exposure. Impairments of short -term memory and long-term memory of pups were assessed by tests using Morris water maze and by detection of hippocampal ultrastructural alterations on electron microscopy. The impact of lead exposure on mGluR3 and mGluR7 mRNA expression in hippocampal tissue of pups were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and its potential role in lead neurotoxicity were discussed.ResultsLead levels of blood and hippocampi in the lead-exposed rats were significantly higher than those in the controls (P < 0.001). In tests using Morris Water Maze, the overall decrease in goal latency and swimming distance was taken to indicate that controls had shorter latencies and distance than lead-exposed rats (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001 by repeated-measures analysis of variance). On transmission electron microscopy neuronal ultrastructural alterations were observed and the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that exposure to 0.2% lead acetate did not substantially change gene expression of mGluR3 and mGluR7 mRNA compared with controls.ConclusionExposure to lead before and after birth can damage short-term and long-term memory ability of young rats and hippocampal ultrastructure. However, the current study does not provide evidence that the expression of rat hippocampal mGluR3 and mGluR7 can be altered by systemic administration of lead during gestation and lactation, which are informative for the field of lead-induced developmental neurotoxicity noting that it seems not to be worthwhile to include mGluR3 and mGluR7 in future studies.

Stress as a Modifier of the Impact of Lead Exposure on Blood Pressure

Stress as a Modifier of the Impact of Lead Exposure on Blood Pressure

An economic impact assessment of lead exposure in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA: making the case for statewide remediation

Childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable environmental health problem in the USA. The primary source of lead poisoning in children is exposure to deteriorating lead-based paint in older low-quality, low-income housing. The circumstance of concentrated poverty and the shortage of high quality low-income housing provide a recipe for increasing disease rates attributed to lead exposure. This paper assesses the economic impact of lead exposure in high-risk housing among children residing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky as measured by productivity and tax revenues lost. It examines remediation costs of high-risk housing statewide against the costs of exposure. Specifically, it examines the relationships between IQ and earnings potential, lost earnings and tax revenue generation, remediation costs and the cost of exposure, and it evaluates these costs against exposure reduction and suggests a strategy for comprehensive remediation activities that pays for itself over time. The results of this analysis determine that the long-term benefits of reducing the outcomes associated with lost productivity among young children per year due to lead exposure would generate sufficient tax revenue to pay for complete remediation of all high risk low-quality housing units in Kentucky.

Intoxication au plomb chez la femme enceinte et le nouveau-né : bilan d'une enquête de dépistage

Human lead exposure has many sources. Relative importance of these sources varies widely according to geographic regions and human lifestyle. The impact of lead exposure on health has been well studied and public health interventions have been conducted. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate current prevalence of lead burden in neonates, and seek for sources of maternal and fetal intoxication. Population and methods A prospective multicentre study was conducted by the “Réseau périnatal 92” on a population of pregnant women attending 3 maternal wards in the north of ‘Hauts-de-Seine’ department in France. Between December 2003 and May 2004, a total of 1021 pregnant women were included. All patients signed an informed consent before participating in the study. Cord blood samples were collected at delivery for lead measurements. Results The mean cord blood lead concentration was 23.2 μg/l. Eighteen neonates over 1021 (1.8%) had lead levels above 100 μg/l. An environmental query was conducted by the social and public health office of the department (DDASS), and data were collected regarding the state of the housing and the lifestyle of the concerned family. Main sources of lead intoxication were ‘tagine’ food plates in 83.3% of cases, ‘khôl’ powder (used as eyeliner) in 88.9% of cases and substandard housings in 22.2% of cases. A specialized paediatric follow-up for the 18 neonates was performed. Conclusion With the exception of substandard housing (old lead painting), other sources of lead intoxication were discovered: ‘tagine’ plates and ‘khôl’ powder. Almost all of these products came from Morocco. A public health intervention would be able to inform the population about these yet unknown sources of lead intoxication.

Lead-Induced Impairments in Complex Cognitive Function: Offerings from Experimental Studies

Experimental studies, relying primarily on rodent and non-human primate models, have produced compelling evidence supporting effects of chronic low level lead exposure on learning, with the magnitude of those effects possibly modulated by developmental period of exposure and learning paradigm parameters. In contrast, changes in memory are not systematically demonstrated. The impact of lead exposure on attention has yet to be clearly delineated in either human or experimental studies, although impulsivity or aversion to delay appears to be a sensitive component of attention that may be targeted.