Blood Lead Levels Research Articles

Development and validation of a predictive model for depression risk in the U.S. adult population: Evidence from the 2007–2014 NHANES

BackgroundDepression is a prevalent mental health disorder with a complex etiology and substantial public health implications. Early identification of individuals at risk for depression is crucial for effective intervention and prevention efforts. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for depression by integrating demographic factors (age, race, marital status, income), lifestyle factors (sleep duration, physical activity), and physiological measures (hypertension, blood lead levels). A key objective was to explore the role of physical activity and blood lead levels as predictors of current depression risk.MethodsData were extracted from the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We applied a logistic regression analysis to these data to assess the predictive value of the above eight factors for depression to create the predictive model.ResultsThe predictive model had bootstrap-corrected c-indexes of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.67–0.70) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.64–0.68) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively, and well-calibrated curves. As the risk of depression increased, the proportion of participants with 1.76 ~ 68.90 µg/L blood lead gradually increased, and the proportion of participants with 0.05 ~ 0.66 µg/L blood lead gradually decreased. In addition, the proportion of sedentary participants increased as the risk of depression increased.ConclusionsThis study developed a depression risk assessment model that incorporates physical activity and blood lead factors. This model is a promising tool for screening, assessing, and treating depression in the general population. However, because the corrected c-indices of the predictive model have not yet reached an acceptable threshold of 0.70, caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions. Further research is required to improve the performance of this model.

The Association of Uremic Pruritus with Blood Lead Level in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients through Systemic Inflammation

Abstract Back ground and objective Pruritus is a common and often distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. Though the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus remains poorly understood, however systemic inflammation is one of the possible pathogenesis of uremic pruritus, and blood lead level has been noted to be associated with inflammation and nutritional status in long-term hemodialysis patients. There might be an interaction or association, therefore, between blood lead level and uremic pruritus through systemic inflammation. Blood lead level in hemodialysis patients might increase the intensity or have an additive role of pruritus caused by other more common risk factors. This study aims to further verify or deny the relation between blood lead level and uremic pruritus. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The present study is a cross sectional study that investigates the relation between blood lead levels and pruritus in patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis. 50 patients were enrolled in this study, all were on regular hemodialysis 3 times a week, patients with primary skin diseases (psoriasis, erythroderma, etc), HCV positive patients, patients with chronic liver disease and patients with malignancies were excluded. Patients with PTH levels over 300 pg/dl And those with corrected calcium and phosphorus levels over 10.2 and 5.5 mg/dl Were excluded from the study. We divided the patients into 2 groups, group 1 (n = 10) with no pruritus and group 2 (n = 40) with varying degrees of pruritus. Results There was a significant difference in serum lead levels and ferritin levels between group 1 and 2. Group 2 was further divided according to intensity of Pruritus by VAS score into mild (n = 10), moderate (n = 20) and severe pruritus (n = 10) There was also a statistically significant difference in serum lead levels in different groups of intensity of pruritus, having higher serum lead levels in patients who exhibited severe pruritus. And there was a significant correlation between blood lead and duration of dialysis Conclusion Uremic pruritus is a multi-factorial phenomenon, our study showed that Blood lead level in HD patients might increase the intensity and have an additive role in the pathogenesis of pruritus in dialysis patients hence Blood lead level is positively correlated with Uremic Pruritus. We were able to demonstrate that both blood lead and duration of dialysis together are the most sensitive predictors for pruritus, the best cut off value for blood lead is 6 together with duration above 10 with high sensitivity, specificity and efficacy.

Antioxidants-rich Nutraceutical Ameliorates Lead-induced Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Treatment of lead toxicity is usually through aggressive approach such as chelation and bowel irrigation and these therapies are used just to promote body metal excretion and are considered less effective due multiple limitations and side effects. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the protective and curative potentials of formulated antioxidant-rich nutraceutcals against lead-induced oxidative stress in albino rats. A total of Fifty (50) albino rats of both sexes weighing 200–220 g were equally and randomly divided into two (2) groups (A and B models) of twenty five rats each. The group A was designed to study the protective effect of formulated nutraceutical against lead-induce oxidative stress. While group B was to evaluate the curative effect of same formulated nutraceutical in rats after lead intoxication. The rats in each of the models were randomly divided into five groups. Thirty (20) rats of lead treated groups were administered with different concentration of antioxidant-rich nutraceutical in both models. While 10 rats were treated with standard drug. Our findings reveals that oral administration of antioxidant- rich supplement in lead-intoxicated rats (in both models) significantly reduced blood lead levels, increased the activity of antioxidants enzymes and glutathione levels. Similarly, the levels of antioxidant minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Se) and vitamins (A, C and E) were boosted significantly. Concurrently, significant decreased levels of malondialdehyde were observed after administration of the antioxidant-rich supplement, hence, lowering lead-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, oral administration of antioxidant-rich supplement may invariably use as protective and as well as curative regimen to curtail lead-induced oxidative stress.

Association of low-level lead exposure with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in US adults with hypertension: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2010

BackgroundTo explore the association of low-level lead exposure with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among hypertensive patients.MethodsThis cohort study enrolled 6453 adults with hypertension from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2010 and followed mortality information through December 31, 2019. The baseline population were divided into four groups based on quartiles of blood lead levels (Q1: < 1.2 μg/dL, Q2: 1.2–1.6 μg/dL, Q3: 1.7–2.4 μg/dL, Q4: 2.5–4.9 μg/dL). The correlation of blood lead levels to mortality was investigated by Kaplan–Meier survival curves, restricted cubic spline (RCS), proportional hazard regression model, and subgroup analysis.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 136 (interquartile range 113, 164) months, a total of 1943 (30.1%) deaths were documented, among which 553 (28.5%) were due to CVD. Blood lead showed a linear dose–response relationship with all-cause and CVD mortality. After adequate adjusting for confounders, the risk of all-cause death rose by 23% for each unit increase in continuous variable blood lead (hazard ratio (HR): 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.16–1.30). When blood lead was a quartile group variable, participants in the Q 4 group had a 73% higher risk of death than those in the Q 1 group (HR:1.73; 95% CI: 1.43–2.10; P for trend < 0.001). The association for CVD mortality was analogous. The concordant results were achieved in the subgroup analysis.ConclusionElevated blood lead levels were strongly associated with an increased all-cause and CVD mortality in adults with hypertension, even at the reference range of blood lead.

Covariation between serum cotinine and blood lead levels among US pediatric populations: Trends from 1999 to 2018

BackgroundTobacco smoke, including both active and passive smoke, can be an important source of lead exposure. However, the relationship between passive tobacco smoke exposure (PTSE) and blood lead levels (BLL), especially in vulnerable populations, needs to be further explored. The present study was to assess the covariation between serum cotinine, a measure of PTSE, and BLL in a pediatric population during 1999–2018. MethodsData on 21,817 children, aged 3–19 years, was extracted from the biennial nationally representative surveys. The trends of the prevalence of lead exposure (BLL ≥ 3.5 µg/dL) and PTSE (cotinine ≥ 1 ng/mL but < 10 ng/mL) were determined, and the covariation between BLL and cotinine was assessed. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of PTSE to the BLL was proxied using the partial R2 of the hierarchical linear regression. The association between PTSE and lead exposure was estimated using multivariate logistic regression. ResultsA parallel decreasing trend in the prevalence of lead exposure and PTSE was observed. Similarly, the means of both BLL and cotinine declined simultaneously. Overall, the PAF from PTSE towards blood lead was 7 %, doubling the PAF from race/ethnicity and family income combined. Stratified by race/ethnicity, PAF from PTSE was 8 % in Blacks and Whites and 4 % for Hispanics. The odds ratio of PTSE with lead exposure was 2.45 (95 % CI, 1.75, 3.44), 2.00 (1.21, 3.33), and 1.16 (0.64, 2.13) for Black, White, and Hispanic children, respectively. Cotinine mean remained two times higher in Blacks than non-Black children at the end of the study period. ConclusionSerum cotinine and BLL may have a significant association in children that persists even as both have been steadily declining in recent years. The contribution from PTSE to blood lead variations could be greater than that from socioeconomic factors. Further reducing lead exposure might be achieved by eliminating PTSE, particularly for the Black pediatric population.

Relationship between blood lead levels and clinical and physiological factors in Bonelli's eagle

AbstractLead is a toxic metal that produces effects on the overall health of animals, resulting in mortality at high exposures, adverse physiological and behavioral effects at lower concentrations, and population declines in many species. Scavengers and predators are more susceptible to lead toxicity because of behavioral and physiologic factors, and long lifespans increase the risk of exposure cumulatively. Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a long‐living predator that may have reduced breeding success because of lead exposure. We analyzed the blood lead levels of 54 wild and captive Bonelli's eagles admitted to a recovery center in Spain from May 2014 to July 2015 and the lead relationship among physiological, clinical, and environmental variables. We detected blood lead using anodic stripping voltammetry. Lead levels were below the limit of quantification (3.3 μg/dL) in 100% of captive animals (n = 22); in contrast, 21.9% of wild birds (n = 32) had higher lead levels than captive birds (P = 0.020). Among wild animals, the 2 adults tested had detectable lead, the only eagle sampled in autumn had the highest lead levels of the study (14.7 μg/dL), and 16.7% of nestlings had detectable lead levels. There is no evidence that the lead levels differ between sexes. There were no symptoms associated with lead intoxication or any correlation between lead levels and hematological or biochemical values; however, subclinical lead exposure at early ages can be harmful and could influence neurological and body development. Researchers should determine if lead could be causing damage to wildlife from early ages to determine if lead exposure affects the conservation of the threatened population of Bonelli's eagles in Spain and elsewhere.

Development of a physiologically based toxicokinetic model for lead in pregnant women: The role of bone tissue in the maternal and fetal internal exposure

Epidemiological studies have shown associations between prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) and neurodevelopmental effects in young children. Prenatal exposure is generally characterized by measuring the concentration in the umbilical cord at delivery or in the maternal blood during pregnancy. To assess internal Pb exposure during prenatal life, we developed a pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic (p-PBPK) model that to simulates Pb levels in blood and target tissues in the fetus, especially during critical periods for brain development. An existing Pb PBPK model was adapted to pregnant women and fetuses. Using data from literature, both the additional maternal bone remodeling, that causes Pb release into the blood, and the Pb placental transfers were estimated by Bayesian inference. Additional maternal bone remodeling was estimated to start at 21.6 weeks. Placental transfers were estimated between 4.6 and 283 L.day−1 at delivery with high interindividual variability. Once calibrated, the p-PBPK model was used to simulate fetal exposure to Pb. Internal fetal exposure greatly varies over the pregnancy with two peaks of Pb levels in blood and brain at the end of the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Sensitivity analysis shows that the fetal blood lead levels are affected by the maternal burden of bone Pb via maternal bone remodeling and by fetal bone formation at different pregnancy stages. Coupling the p-PBPK model with an effect model such as an adverse outcome pathway could help to predict the effects on children's neurodevelopment.

Assessment of lead exposure in indoor shooters in central Poland

A steady increase in shooting practices is observed worldwide. Potential lead exposure at shooting ranges poses a risk to their employees and users, which is not widely reported outside of the USA, especially in Poland. Exposure to lead results from the use of bullets containing lead and the main route of exposure to this metal at shooting ranges is inhalation, i.e., during shooting or cleaning. The aim of this study was to assess lead exposure of employees and users in selected indoor shooting ranges in central Poland. Airborne lead concentrations at all locations in the shooting ranges were above Polish occupational exposure limit (OEL, 0.05 mg m−3). Elevated blood and urine lead levels, and decreased 4-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D) were found in subjects participating in shooting even for only a few (< 10) hours per week. Lead exposure at shooting ranges in central Poland, as indicated by elevated blood lead levels and decreased ALA-D activity, could represent an elevated risk for adverse health effects. Thus, information on the possible health consequences of lead exposure should be provided at these sites, and biomonitoring appears to be reasonable for regular workers and shooters.

Blood and Urinary Metal Levels among Exclusive Marijuana Users in NHANES (2005-2018).

Marijuana is the third most used drug in the world. Because the cannabis plant is a known scavenger of metals, we hypothesized that individuals who use marijuana will have higher metal biomarker levels compared with those who do not use. We combined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018) for participants, classified by use: non-marijuana/non-tobacco, exclusive marijuana, exclusive tobacco, and dual marijuana and tobacco use. Five metals were measured in blood and 16 in urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; urinary metals were adjusted for urinary creatinine. Participants reporting exclusive marijuana use compared with non-marijuana/non-tobacco use had statistically significantly higher mean cadmium levels in blood [ (95% CI: 1.11, 1.34); ] and urine [ (95% CI: 1.0, 1.31); ] and statistically significantly higher mean lead levels in blood [ (95% CI: 1.07, 1.50); ] and urine [ (95% CI: , 1.50); ]. Our results suggest marijuana is a source of cadmium and lead exposure. Research regarding cannabis use and cannabis contaminants, particularly metals, should be conducted to address public health concerns related to the growing number of cannabis users. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12074.

Serum levels of lead are associated with venous thromboembolism: a retrospective study based on the NHANES database (1999 to 2018).

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical problem. While lead toxicity is known to affect the nervous, hematopoietic system, skeletal, and cardiovascular system, the relationship between blood lead levels and VTE remains unclear. This study explored whether there is a correlation between the levels of serum lead and VTE through a retrospective analysis based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), so as to provide a reference for follow-up research and clinical practice. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, subjects were enrolled from the NHANES (1999 to 2018) database and divided into a VTE group and a non-VTE group. The factors related to VTE were analyzed by single factor and multiple factor logistic regression analysis. A total of 31,081 subjects were included, of which 59 had VTE (0.19%). The higher the levels of serum lead, the higher the incidence of VTE. The univariate analysis revealed that age, male sex, history of cigarette use, hypertension, diabetes, and serum lead levels were factors associated with VTE in the population from the NHANES database. Further multivariate analysis revealed that age, history of cigarette use, hypertension, diabetes, and serum lead levels were factors associated with VTE. The findings of this study suggest that higher serum levels of lead may be associated with VTE.

Extending Regulatory Biokinetic Lead Models towards Food Safety: Evaluation of Consumer Baby Food Contribution to Infant Blood Lead Levels and Variability.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released proposed lead (Pb) action levels for foods intended for babies and young children in January 2023 based on the agency's interim reference value of 2.2 µg/day for dietary Pb. Since the 1980s, biokinetic models have estimated blood lead levels (BLLs) associated with environmental contamination, but their use in food safety assessment has been limited. We compared three recent biokinetic models (IEUBK Model, ICRP Model Version 5, and AALM) to develop insights on contributors to variability in potential exposures to Pb in consumer baby food products. While modest variation was observed for babies, the predictions trended to convergence for children aged 3 and older, approaching the U.S. FDA dietary conversion factor of 0.16 µg Pb/dL blood per µg Pb intake/day. We applied the IEUBK model in a probabilistic exposure assessment framework characterizing the distribution of Pb in soil, dust, water, and food intake in the United States. Soil and dust were the primary contributors to variance in infant BLLs, while food and water contributed <15% combined. Thus, reductions in upper-bound soil and dust concentrations will be necessary before achieving appreciable reductions in the frequency of BLLs greater than the BLRV of 3.5 µg/dL.

Relationship between Lead Exposure and Genotoxic Effect in Paint Industry Workers

Lead-based paint is a main source of lead exposure to paint industry workers and causes an imbalance of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants, causing a genotoxic effect. Pb in the blood (PbB) level and DNA damage are frequently used as exposure and effect biomarker of lead. The purpose of this study to determine the relationship between PbB level and DNA damage due to occupational lead exposure in paint industry workers. The research design uses a cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 52 workers from three paint manufacturers in Indonesia. Blood samples were taken for PbB analysis using ICP-MS, while DNA damage was analyzed using the Comet Assay method. The PbB average obtained was 4.36±1.60 µg.dL-1, where 17 workers (32.69%) exceeded the safe limit value of PbB (5 µg.dL-1). Meanwhile, the influential factors of PbB are the working period and alcohol consumption (p=0.029). The level of DNA damage was represented as Tail DNA (%), and the average was 9.62±0.19 %. All respondents in this study were categorized as under low damage (Class 2). There was no significant relationship between PbB and Tail DNA (%) and has a negative correlation (p=0.878; r=-0.022). The study concludes that there was no difference in Tail DNA (%) between PbB ≥ 5 µg.dL-1 and PbB &lt; 5 µg.dL-1 (p=0.876). It means that lead exposure in this finding has not reached a level that can significantly cause DNA damage. However, it is necessary to monitor PbB levels in workers to minimize genotoxic or other effects.

Amelioration of intestinal barrier function and reduction of blood lead level in adult women with recurrent spontaneous abortion by a novel product of dietary fiber mixture, Holofood

BackgroundThe elevated circulating toxins secondary to the impairment of intestinal barrier integrity commonly elicit a chronic inflammatory response and finally contribute to multiple diseases. These toxins, including bacterial by-products and heavy metals, are the potent risk factors for the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Preclinical evidence suggests that several dietary fibers can restore intestinal barrier function and decrease the accumulation of heavy metals. However, it is uncertain whether treatment with a newly developed blend of dietary fibers product (Holofood) benefits patients with RSA.MethodsIn this trial, we enrolled 70 adult women with RSA, who were randomly assigned into the experiment group and the control group in a 2:1 ratio. Upon the basis of conventional therapy, subjects in the experiment group (n = 48) received 8 weeks oral administration with Holofood three times daily at a dose of 10 g each time. Subjects without Holofood consumption were set as the control (n = 22). Blood samples were collected for the determinations of metabolic parameters, heavy mental lead, and the indices related to intestinal barrier integrity (d-lactate, bacterial endotoxin, and diamine oxidase activity).ResultsThe reduction amplitude in blood lead from baseline to week 8 was 40.50 ± 54.28 (μg/L) in the experiment group as compared with 13.35 ± 36.81 (μg/L) in the control group (P = 0.037). The decreased level of serum d-lactate from baseline to week 8 was 5.58 ± 6.09 (mg/L) in the experiment group as compared with − 2.38 ± 8.90 (mg/L, P < 0.0001) in the control group. The change in serum DAO activity from baseline to week 8 was 3.26 ± 2.23 (U/L) in the experiment group as compared with − 1.24 ± 2.22 (U/L, P < 0.0001) in the control group. Participants who received Holofood had a greater decline in blood endotoxin from baseline to week 8 than those in the control group. Moreover, by comparing with the self-baseline, Holofood consumption significantly decreased the blood levels of lead, d-lactate, bacterial endotoxin, and DAO activity.ConclusionOur results suggest that Holofood affords a clinically relevant improvements in blood lead level and intestinal barrier dysfunction in patients with RSA.

Heavy Metals and Essential Elements in Association with Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-A Systematic Review.

Altered levels of heavy metals and essential elements have been associated with oxidative stress (OS) and metabolic and hormonal changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to summarize the knowledge on the association of heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS. An electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2008 and April 2023 was conducted. We evaluated heavy metals and essential elements in relation to OS in PCOS in 15 articles. PCOS women had increased antimonium (Sb), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and osmium (Os) blood levels and decreased zinc (Zn) blood levels; the results of copper (Cu) blood levels were conflicting. Some studies showed a significant correlation between heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Te and Tl) and essential elements (Se, Zn, Cr, Ca, Mg and Cu) and markers of OS and chronic inflammation. Heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb and Hg) and essential elements (Zn, Cr, Se, Ca, Mg and Cu) were associated with metabolic and hormonal characteristics in PCOS. There might be a possible benefit from supplementation therapy in reducing OS and endocrinological problems related to PCOS. Our review confirmed an association between heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS women. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42023418453.

Identifying the Blood Lead Reference Value Based on the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Guidelines and Factors Associated with Elevated Blood Lead Levels among Preschool Children in Thailand, 2019

The blood lead reference value (BLRV) is used for guiding lead prevention and control measures. It is usually defined as the 97.5th percentile of the population-based blood lead level in each country. This study aims to determine the BLRV and factors associated with elevated (≥5 µg/dL) blood lead levels among children aged 1–5 years in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data extracted from a national survey, implemented in 171 hospitals during October 2018–September 2019. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors including lead-related industries were collected. Multilevel logistic regression was used. Of 3,184 children included in the survey, the BLRV was 6.9 µg/dL. Three significant risk factors were identified: living near a lead factory (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.09, 95% CI 1.27–3.42), exposure to the manufacture of fishing tackle (AOR 4.39, 95% CI 1.54–12.50), and exposure to the manufacture of shot and ammunition (AOR 6.30, 95% CI 1.81–21.93). Despite a calculated BLRV of 6.9 µg/dL, we propose a BLRV of 5 μg/dL in Thailand based on guidelines from the United Kingdom. Surveillance of blood lead levels should be established among children at high risk of lead exposure.

The risk of dental restoration-related lead exposure on renal function

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between oral restoration count, blood lead (PbB) level, and renal function as potential heavy metal releases, and the related toxicity of dental restorative materials. MethodsA total of 3682 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (January 2017 to March 2020) were included in this cross-sectional analysis. We utilized multivariable linear regression models to investigate the associations between the number of oral restorations and PbB levels or renal function. The mediating effect of PbB on renal function indicators was analyzed using the R mediation package. ResultsBased on the indicators of 3682 participants, we found that the elderly, females, and whites were fit with more oral restoration, which was accompanied by increased PbB levels and decreased renal function. Meanwhile, oral restoration count was positively associated with PbB level (β = 0.023, 95% CI: −0.020 to 0.027), renal function-related urine albumin creatinine ratio (β = 1.541, 95% CI: 0.615–2.468), serum uric acid level (β = 0.012, 95% CI: 0.007 to 0.017), and serum creatinine level, and negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (β = −0.804, 95% CI: −0.880 to −0.728). Furthermore, the mediation effect test confirmed that PbB played a mediating role in the relationship between restoration count and serum uric acid or eGFR, with mediation effects accounting for 98.0% and 71.0%, respectively. ConclusionsOral restoration negatively affects renal function. Oral restoration-related PbB level is a potential mediating factor.

A rare case report of lead encephalopathy due to high blood lead level

AbstractHere we report a case of lead poisoning having a serum lead level of 412 mcg dL−1 who presented with decreasing level of consciousness and recurrent seizures. He responded well to treatment with chelation therapy.

Analysis of blood lead level and its clinical significance among occupational exposed painters in chennai based population: A cross sectional study

Introduction and aimLead is a ubiquitous element found in the earth crust. There is no known physiologic role of lead in human body and hence any amount of lead present in human tissue considered as a contamination. Several studies on lead toxicity show that, occupational exposure remains the main source for lead toxicity and is emerging as important public health problem. Burden and severity of occupational exposure of lead and its clinical significance are gaining more interest in the field of toxicology. Only limited studies are available and there is scarcity of epidemiology data to assess the blood lead levels of workers and the contribution of common workplace practices to lead exposure in India especially from our region. So, the current study is designed to assess the blood lead levels (BLL) and its clinical significance among high risk workers especially painters working in the construction and public private sector in Chennai based population. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional case control study included 122 painters and 122 healthy individuals. A detailed questionnaire about demographic details, personal habits, work related safety precautions, presenting symptoms of lead toxicity were given to painter followed by detailed medical examination and blood investigations including blood lead levels were collected and statistically analyzed. The t-test were used to compare mean blood lead levels and to investigate the associations between specific job type, use of self-protection device,sex, service years and occurrence of non-specific symptoms with BLLs. ResultsThe mean BLL of the painters were less than the recommended threshold level. Among painters 13.1% were categorized under BLL > 10 μg/dL. The higher BLL among the painters were directly proportional to year of experience and poor usage of personal protective materials. The levels of Hb, HCT and eosinophil were much correlated with lead toxicity. A marginal significance were observed in some parameters especially urea and creatinine when compared with control. The Cognitive dysfunction, hypertension and renal dysfunction were also observed among the painters. ConclusionThe BLL in painters among our group were minimal compared to biological reference value. Duration of exposure and association of patient’s clinical features like cognitive dysfunction, hypertension and renal dysfunction conditions were observed and this should be carefully monitored and study on huge population of painters with longitudinal aspect is recommended to rule out the clinical correlation of lead toxicity.

Sources, blood concentrations, and approaches for reducing exposure to lead: A critical appraisal on lead poisoning

Lead, a non-essential metal, enters the body in various ways, making it a major public health issue. Painters and smelters report lead poisoning in children and staff. Mining and battery workers risk lead exposure. Traditional and cultural remedies may include dangerous quantities of lead, producing lead poisoning. These drugs must be properly understood and regulated to avoid toxicity. Lead poisoning symptoms vary by duration and severity. Lead first impairs cognition, development, and behaviour by damaging the neural system. Time degrades reproductive and haematological systems. Lead's quiet entry into the body makes it deadly. Acute lead nephropathy damages kidneys at 100mg/dL. Lead levels exceeding 150mg/dL may induce encephalopathy. Blood lead levels indicate lead poisoning severity. Lead levels over 10g/dL in children and 40g/dL in adults are hazardous. Lead toxicity affects various organs. Lead may induce hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It may also cause chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Lead exposure may impede fertility, cause miscarriages, and alter foetal development; hence the reproductive system is vulnerable. Symptoms and lead levels may be treated with different approaches. Lead chelation treatment is frequent. Other vitamins and medications may enhance organ function and treat lead poisoning. Lead poisoning prevention requires widespread awareness. Strict standards and education regarding lead-contaminated products and conventional remedies should reduce occupational lead exposure. Regular blood lead level monitoring, especially in youngsters and lead workers, may help detect and treat lead poisoning early. Lead poisoning has serious health consequences. Understanding lead exposure pathways, identifying symptoms, and preventing lead poisoning is essential to public health and organ system protection.

The Relationship between Blood Lead Level and Chronic Pain in US Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Lead toxicity has been a major public health problem worldwide, yet no study has investigated the association between lead exposure and chronic pain. We used data from three cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with chronic pain status. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between chronic pain and blood lead level (BLL). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore which confounding factor modified the association between chronic pain and BLL. A total of 13,485 participants were included in our final analysis, out of which 1950 (14.46%) had chronic pain. In the fully adjusted model, a 1μg/dL increase of BLL was associated with 3% higher risk of chronic pain. The highest BLL quartile (BLL > 2.40μg/dL) was associated with a 32% increase in the risk of chronic pain compared with the lowest BLL quartile (BLL < 0.90μg/dL). In the subgroup analyses, hypertension (P for interaction = 0.018) and arthritis (P for interaction = 0.004) status modified the association between BLL and chronic pain. Higher quartiles of BLL were associated with a higher risk of chronic pain only in individuals with hypertension or arthritis but not those without these conditions. A higher BLL was associated with a higher risk of chronic pain. Further research is warranted to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between the two, as well as potential underlying mechanisms.