Mean Blood Lead Levels Research Articles

English

Environmental exposure to heavy metals such as lead is detrimental to male reproductive system. Lead induced oxidative stress is believed to contribute immensely to male infertility. The study was designed to investigate the influence of environmental lead exposure on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and male reproductive hormones levels in male individuals of Bagega and Kawaye villages of Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State Nigeria. Sixty male individuals (40 lead exposed and 20 controls) were recruited. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (serum superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined using standard methods. Blood lead levels and reproductive hormones levels were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer and ELISA method, respectively. The lead exposed subjects had mean blood lead levels (BLLs) 208.72 ± 19.89 µg/dl and were within the reproductive age group (15-45 years). The activities of all the antioxidant enzymes were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in lead exposed subjects compared to controls while MDA levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased in lead exposed subjects compared to controls but testosterone levels remained the same in both lead exposed and control subjects. The study also revealed negative correlation between blood lead levels and reproductive hormones. In conclusion, environmental exposure to lead distorts antioxidant enzymes activity and male reproductive hormones levels perhaps via lead-induced oxidative stress. Key words: Lead exposure, oxidative stress, reproductive hormones. &nbsp

Declining blood lead levels among small-scale miners participating in a safer mining pilot programme in Nigeria

ObjectivesOur objective was to monitor blood lead levels (BLLs) of miners and ore processors participating in a pilot programme to reduce lead poisoning and take-home exposures from artisanal small-scale gold...

Blood Lead Levels in Females of Childbearing Age in Flint, Michigan, and the Water Crisis.

To compare blood lead levels in females of childbearing age, 12-50 years, living within and adjacent to Flint, Michigan, before, during, and after the Flint River water exposure and compare the levels to those that have been shown to cause fetal loss and preterm birth. The switch in the community water source to the Flint River occurred on April 25, 2014, and was reverted to the original source on October 15, 2015. Using a retrospective cross-sectional study design using geocoded blood lead levels obtained from all females of childbearing age available from a single hospital database, we compared blood lead levels for the following 18-month time periods: April 25, 2012-October 15, 2013 (PRE), April 25, 2014-October 15, 2015 (DURING), and April 25, 2016-October 15, 2017 (POST). Results are reported as geometric mean (95% CI). Within Flint, PRE blood lead levels in females of childbearing age were 0.69 micrograms/dL (95% CI 0.63-0.75), DURING blood lead levels were 0.65 micrograms/dL (95% CI 0.60-0.71), and POST blood lead levels were 0.55 micrograms/dL (95% CI 0.54-0.56). DURING Flint River water exposure blood lead levels were not significantly different than the PRE Flint River water time period. POST Flint River water exposure blood lead levels were significantly lower than both PRE and DURING levels. Overall, lower blood lead levels were found outside the Flint boundary in all cohorts. Blood lead levels in Flint females of childbearing age did not increase during the Flint River water exposure and subsequent 18-month time period. Mean blood lead levels during the Flint River water exposure are not consistent with the markedly higher blood lead levels reported in the literature to be associated with fetal loss, low birth weight, or preterm birth.

Blood lead level and Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population: A cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether elevated blood lead level (BLL) is a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 2,625 subjects who visited a university hospital for general health examination. H. pylori infection was detected using histologic examination with Giemsa staining, and BLLs were measured. The mean BLL was 2.83 ± 1.31 μg/dL. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 27.8%. The BLL was significantly higher in the H. pylori infection-positive group compared to the non-infected group (2.96 ± 1.33 μg/dL vs. 2.78 ± 1.30 μg/dL, p < 0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for other confounders. H. pylori infection significantly increased as the BLL increased (OR: 1.143, 95% CI 1.068–1.223). We found a relationship between BLL elevation and H. pylori infection rate.

Toxicological effects in children exposed to lead: A cross-sectional study at the Colombian Caribbean coast

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant with a toxicity that is a serious public health problem. The aim of this research was to evaluate the associations between Pb exposure and morphometric, hematological and biochemical parameters, mRNA expression of the P53, SOD1, ALAD, TNF and INF-γ genes, ALAD polymorphisms (db SNP ID: rs1800435) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in children from the Colombian Caribbean. Blood lead levels (BLL) were determined in 554 participants between the ages of 5–16 years old, from different places of the Colombian Caribbean. A health survey was given to assess risk factors. Whole blood was used for hematology and plasma employed to analyze markers of hepatic toxicity. Gene expression was quantified from blood mRNA by RT-PCR. The ALAD polymorphism was characterized by PCR-RFLP, and the Kaufman's brief intelligence test was employed to estimate the IQ. The mean BLL was 3.5 ± 0.2 μg/dL. The site of greatest exposure to Pb was Tasajera, a poor fishing community, with an average of 8.9 ± 0.8 μg/dL. Breastfeeding was associated with high BLL. Morphometric characteristics and IQ were negatively correlated with BLL. The blood platelet count and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration showed positive and negative correlations with BLL, respectively. Negative relationships with BLL were observed with the ratios Neutrophils/Eosinophils and Neutrophils/Basophils, whereas for BLL and Neutrophils/Monocytes the association was positive. The associations between morphometric and some hematological parameters with BLL were age- and gender-related. The expression of ALAD, SOD1, INF-γ and P53 mRNA was down-regulated according to the BLL, whereas TNF showed an opposite trend. In short, fishing communities are at a high risk of Pb exposure. This xenobiotic can affect physical development and IQ, as well as hematological parameters, even at low concentrations. In addition, it can regulate the transcription of genes associated with inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, heme synthesis, and oxidative stress.

Effect of bone fracture(s) on blood lead levels from retained lead pellets in craniomaxillofacial region.

Missile-related blood lead elevations and toxicity are well documented in the literature but reports on its associated risk factor(s) are few. To determine if bone fracture(s) contribute to an elevated lead blood level. This is a prospective study of subjects with retained pellets in the craniomaxillofacial region following gunshot injuries who met the inclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected from the test subjects and their corresponding control subjects via venipuncture. Collected blood samples were used for blood lead measurement by the wet method of the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Using appropriate statistical tests, p < 0.05 was considered significant. A total number of 48 subjects were studied. The mean blood lead levels (BLLs) of the study population were 6.88 ± 1.17 µg/dl while that of the control group was 1.52 ± 0.87 µg/dl and the mean difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The mean and standard deviation of BLL of subjects with fractures were 4.77 ± 0.9, 5.08 ± 1.0, and 5.22 ± 1.0 µg/dl at days 3, 21, and 42 postinjury, respectively, while for those without bone fractures were 3.07 ± 1.4, 3.70 ± 0.8, and 4.33 ± 1.7 µg/dl. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04). Subjects with bone fractures were found to have higher BLLs than those without bone fractures, where pellets were retained in their bodies.

Chronic occupational exposure to lead leads to significant mucocutaneous changes in lead factory workers.

Chronic lead toxicity is a worldwide public health problem. Lead possesses deleterious effects on many organ systems. However, little is known regarding its clinical and biophysical effects on the skin. To investigate mucocutaneous signs and biophysical property changes in skin after chronic lead toxicity. One hundred and eighty-seven patients who were car battery workers participated in the study. Complete history and physical examination were performed. Blood was collected for laboratory analyses. Thorough skin examination by dermatologists was carried out in 134 subjects. Additionally, 96 patients with blood lead levels (BLL) >70μg/dL were further evaluated for skin elasticity, sebum content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, pH and pigmentation. An equal number of age-, sex- and skin-type-matched subjects were recruited as controls. The mean BLL of all subjects was 74.15±11.58μg/dL. The most frequently observed signs were gingival brown pigmentation in 112 (83.6%), gingivitis in 111 (82.8%) and lead line in 66 (49.3%) patients. The lead line was found in subjects with significantly higher BLLs (adjusted mean difference 6.45, 95% CI 2.30-10.60μg/dL, P=0.003) and in association with gingivitis (adjusted OR 7.32, 95% CI 2.08-25.74, P=0.002). Mean BLL of the patients who underwent biophysical assessment was 82.77±9.80μg/dL. Patients exhibited a statistically significant lower skin hydration observed by corneometer as well as elasticity. The adjusted ORs of having dry skin and lower elasticity were 15.32 (95% CI 4.41-53.24), P<0.001) and 1.96 (95% CI 1.06-3.60), P=0.031), respectively. These differences were not significant for sebum content, TEWL, pH and pigmentation. Importantly, even in normal-appearing skin, level of hydration and elasticity decreased in lead-intoxicated patients. These results suggest that lead might possess harmful effects on the skin at measurable levels.

A quantitative analysis of chronic exposure of selected heavy metals in a model diet in a CKD hotspot in Sri Lanka

BackgroundEvidence of chronic low levels of exposure to heavy metals in Sri Lanka has emerged in a number of studies carried out in the recent past. The source and magnitude of such exposures have to be understood in order to assess the risk of adverse health effects of this exposure and to propose suitable public health interventions.MethodsAn assessment was carried out to quantify chronic exposure to cadmium, lead and arsenic through food in people living in an area in Sri Lanka, where prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is highest. First a dietary survey was carried out in the subjects to estimate the type and quantity of typical food items in order to estimate an average consumption. A model diet was formulated using this dietary consumption data; and this was thereafter used for estimation of chronic dietary exposure of selected contaminants. In parallel, the levels of contaminants of interest in the various identified food items: cadmium, lead and arsenic, were determined.ResultsAssuming the major route of intake is food, and based on the quantity and type of food items consumed, a 60 kg man is exposed to average doses of 83.7 μg cadmium, 924.1 μg lead, and 180.3 μg arsenic per week. The impact of chronic lead exposure was affirmed by a mean blood lead level of 3.0 μg/dL, with a maximum level of 8.8 μg/dL being observed in some cases.ConclusionsChronic low dose exposure of lead from food appears to be a public health concern in the studied population. Cadmium exposure through food appears to be of concern also. However, arsenic exposure through food appears to be within safe limits. As there are numbers of possible adverse health outcomes that can be associated with such estimated exposures of heavy metals, public health interventions are warranted to limit the described harmful exposures. Advocacy on dietary patterns and agronomic practices to lower the contaminants identified are the two broad strategies suggested.

Changes of Atmospheric and Blood Concentrations of Lead and Cadmium in the General Population of South Korea from 2008 to 2017.

We measured changes in atmospheric and blood levels of lead and cadmium in the South Korean general population during the past decade. Blood data of 16,873 adults were taken from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2017). Atmospheric data were taken from 66 air quality monitoring sites in 16 different regions in South Korea. From 2008 to 2017, the geometric mean (GM) blood lead level decreased from 2.37 to 1.46 μg/dL (38.4% decrease), and the atmospheric lead concentration decreased by 61.0% in the overall population. During this time, the GM blood cadmium level decreased from 0.88 to 0.72 μg/L (18.2% decrease), and the atmospheric cadmium concentration decreased by 63.6%. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that a half reduction in air lead was associated with a 0.09 μg/dL decrease in blood lead (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.15) in a subgroup of the metropolitan city population. However, a half reduction in air cadmium had no significant effect on blood cadmium. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the decrease in blood lead level over 10 years in Korea was related to the decrease in atmospheric lead concentration. However, the decrease in blood cadmium level during this time was not significantly associated with the decrease in atmospheric cadmium concentration. Our findings suggest that inhalation is a major source of lead exposure, but not of cadmium exposure. Ingestion of dietary cadmium presumably has a stronger impact on blood cadmium levels.

Neurological Changes of Adults Residing in Lead Exposed Environment of Myeik Township

Lead crosses blood brain barrier and adversely affects the cognitive function, causing impairment of neuropsychological functions. Most of the lead poisonings are asymptomatic and subclinical cases. A cross-sectional analytical study was designed to assess the neurological changes of adults, aged between 20 to 45 years old, residing in lead exposed environment of Myeik Township. The study focused on the cognitive and psychomotor ability of people who lived in those areas at least one year. A total of 95 subjects were interviewed by using the structured questionnaires for assessment of cognitive and psychomotor ability by well-trained researchers. The mean age of all participants was 32.7±8.5 years. The average duration of stay in these areas was approximately 20 years (maximum duration=47 years). The blood lead level was measured by graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean blood lead level of all participants was 19.91±1.8 µg/dl. All the participants were divided into two groups: lower blood lead group (blood lead &lt;10 µg/dl) (n=37) and higher blood lead group (blood lead ≥10 µg/dl) (n=58). The cognitive function was assessed by using three subtests (digit span, visual memory and paired associate learning) from the General Memory Scale. The mean scores were (10.51± 2.0, 5.59±0.5 and 20.01±8.3) in lower blood lead and (9.55±1.8, 5.12±0.7 and 15.23±5.2) in higher lead group, respectively. In addition, the mean total score of cognitive ability test in lower blood lead group was (36.12±9.5) and higher group was (29.90±5.8). All 3 test scores and total scores were significantly lower in higher blood lead group and it could be concluded that the higher the blood lead level, the lower the cognitive ability. To assess psychomotor ability, we used digit symbol, Bourdon-Wiersma vigilance tests and Santa-Ana dexterity test. Among these three tests, the mean scores of Santa-Ana dexterity test (dominant hand) was significantly longer duration (54.40±10.9 vs. 59.46±10.18) in higher blood lead group than in lower blood lead group. All these findings pointed out that lead intoxication would reduce not only cognitive ability but also psychomotor ability

Vitamin D Receptor FokI, ApaI, and TaqI Polymorphisms in Lead Exposed Subjects From Saudi Arabia.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms were reported to influence blood lead levels (BLL) and the response of subjects to the symptoms of lead toxicity. However, no studies have been conducted in the Saudi Arabian population which has unique ethnicity and socio-demographic features. This study examined the polymorphisms in exon 2 (allele 1) and intron 8 (allele 2 and allele 3) of VDR gene and their relation to BLLs. As per the CDC guidelines, the recruited lead-exposed workers (N = 130) were categorized to two groups viz., low BLL group (<10 μg/dL) and high BLL group (>10 μg/dL). The low BLL group had a mean BLL of 4.37 μg/dL, while the high BLL group had levels of 18.12 μg/dL (p < 0.001). Overall, the genetic variants, TC and CC in the VDR FokI were significantly associated with a risk of lead toxicity and the allele “C” was a risk factor (p = 0.00026). Furthermore, the TT genotype of VDR ApaI significantly increased the risk of developing lead poisoning (p = 0.0006). The VDR TaqI SNP was not significantly associated with lead toxicity. The highest BLLs for VDR FokI-CC, VDR ApaI-GG, and VDR TaqI-TT genotypes from High BLL group were 18.42, 15.26, and 18.75 μg/dL, respectively. Older age (51–60 years) was found to be a significant confounding factor for BLLs (p = 0.012). Additional studies in larger sample sizes are needed to firmly establish the role of VDR genotypes and genetic susceptibility to lead poisoning.

Childhood lead poisoning in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority

PurposeTo assess lead poisoning among a pediatric population in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority. MethodsA total of 1705 questionnaires and blood samples were collected from children aged 2–6 years, by the finger stick capillary procedure, for the assessment of blood lead level (BLL), using the LeadCare kits. The samples were collected from children living close to lead processing units (hotspots) and far 100–500 m away (general population). Management of elevated BLL was achieved by gavage of chelating agent d-penicillamine at a dose of 30 mg kg−1 body weight/day for two weeks for children having BLL above 20 μg/dl. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS computer program version 22. ResultsDistribution of children in Gaza Strip by sampling process illustrated those 326 children (19.1%) living in lead processing units (hot spots) and 1379 children (80.9%) from location far away 100–500 m from host spot (general population). The mean BLL was 10.4 μg/dl. A total of 440 children (25.8%) were found to be having BLL ≥ 10 μg/dl while 1265 children (74.2%) have BLL < 10 μg/dl. BLL < 10 μg/dl was taken as a cut point due to CDC standards. The prevalence of BLL in hotspot areas in children who were exposed to lead and have BLL ≥ 10 μg/dl was 95.7% while in general population it was 9.3%. The difference between the study population was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Statistical significant differences between the study populations were found among several independent variables of risk factors such as household location and exposure sources, and occupational exposure. Gavage of d-penicillamine significantly reduced BLL to the acceptable level (BLL < 10 μg/dl). ConclusionsChildhood lead poisoning accounts for a substantial burden in Gaza Strip. Hotspots of lead-related industries are the high risk areas that contributing to high BLLs in children. d-Penicillamine was effective in the treatment of lead poisoning among children. Health education and treatment campaigns should be designed to minimize or prevent childhood lead poisoning in Gaza Strip.

Prevalence of Blood Lead among Children Living in Battery Recycling Communities in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of blood lead levels (BLLs) among children 1 to 5 years old who reside near and distant to informally used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling locations and examine risk factors for elevated BLLs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three greater Jakarta neighborhoods where informal ULAB recycling occurs. Venous BLLs among 279 children were analyzed using portable blood lead testing machines. Demographic, child activities, and sources of lead exposure inside and outside homes were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with the prevalence of BLLs. Forty-seven percent of children had BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL and 9% had BLLs ≥ 10 µg/dL. No differences in geometric mean BLLs were observed between children who lived near and distant to ULAB locations. Older child age groups [Prevalence Ratio (PR) 2.14, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.16, 4.18) and low household income (PR 1.58, 95% CI 1.03, 2.40) were associated with BLLs 5–9 µg/dL. Low educational attainment of the child’s father (PR 3.17, 95% CI 1.23, 8.16) and frequent outdoor child activity (PR 4.93, 95% CI 1.09, 22.21) were predictors of BLLs ≥ 10 µg/dL. This study shows the association between lead exposure among children and environmental sources. Public health officials can consider expanded surveillance, health care provider education, and development of strategies to reduce lead exposure.

Blood lead level in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome and elevated blood lead level share certain gastrointestinal symptoms. We measured blood lead levels in IBS patients, comparing them with IBS severity. This cross-sectional study included 324 patients with newly diagnosed IBS and 147 healthy subjects as control. All participants completed a questionnaire on their current gastrointestinal symptoms and a blood sample was taken so as to determine the blood lead level via atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. Patients were subsequently assessed in terms of IBS severity. Mean blood lead level was significantly higher in the IBS group compared to the control group (7.5 ± 5.4 mcg/dL vs. 5.8 ± 3.4 mcg/dL, P = 0.001). Moreover, 59% of IBS patients and 44% of the healthy subjects had blood lead level > 5 mcg/dL ( P = 0.004). Only 38% of patients with diarrhea alone versus 59–83% in the other groups had high blood lead levels ( P < 0.001). Mean IBS-SSS was 241 ± 92.6 in IBS patients, who with elevated blood lead level had significantly higher grades compared to those with blood lead levels < 5 mcg/dL. Linear regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between blood lead level and severity of gastrointestinal manifestations measured by IBS-SSS (ß = 7.2; 95% CI: 5.5–8.9; P < 0.001). High blood lead level may be a concern in IBS patients, particularly in IBS-C and unclassified IBS groups and those with severe gastrointestinal manifestations.

Analysis of blood lead levels of young children in Flint, Michigan before and during the 18-month switch to Flint River water

Background: The toxicity of lead, like any xenobiotic, is directly linked to the duration of exposure and toxin concentration in the body. The elevation in blood lead levels (BLLs) in young Flint, Michigan children noted in time-periods before, and during the 18-month exposure to Flint River water (FRW) from 25 April 2014 to 15 October 2015 is well-known internationally. The length of time BLLs were elevated is unknown, yet key in understanding the potential health impact of the event. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether BLLs in Flint children were increased during the entire 18-month FRW exposure compared to similar earlier time periods.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study analyzing BLLs from Flint children aged 5 years and under. The geometric mean (GM) BLLs and percentages of BLLs ≥5.0 μg/dL in Period I: 25 April 2006 to 15 October 2007 (earliest timeframe available for study) and Period II: 25 April 2012 to 15 October 2013 (timeframe immediately before the water switch), were compared to Period III, 25 April 2014 to 15 October 2015 (FRW exposure).Results: There were 5663 BLLs available for study. GM ± SE BLLs decreased from 2.19 ± 0.03 μg/dL in Period I to 1.47 ± 0.02 μg/dL in Period II [95% CI, 0.64, 0.79]; p<.001 and decreased further to 1.32 ± 0.02 µg/dL during the FRW Period III [95% CI, 0.79, 0.95]; p<.001. The percentage of BLLs ≥5.0 μg/dL decreased from Period I (10.6%) to Period II (3.3%) [95% CI, 5.7, 8.8]; p<.001 and from Period I to Period III (3.9%) [95% CI, 5.0, 8.2]; p=.002. The 0.6% increase from Period II to Period III was not statistically significant [95% CI, −1.9, 0.57]; p=.30.Conclusion: Analyses of GM and percentages ≥5.0 μg/dL of BLLs do not support the occurrence of a global increase in BLLs in young children of Flint during the entire 18-month period of FRW exposure.

Environmental injustice and childhood lead exposure in peri-urban (ger) areas of Darkhan and Erdenet, Mongolia

BackgroundThe ger (“tent city”) areas in Mongolia are a product of rapid urbanization and transitional economic development combine with lack of institutional, administrative and financial capacity of governments to cope with the pace. These areas have become traps for inequities in social and environmental services and the associated effects on human health. Disparities in childhood lead exposure in such communities are largely unexplored.MethodsWe measured the concentrations of lead in blood of children, aged 4–7 years, in Erdenet (Orkhon Province) and Darkhan (Darkhan-Uul Province), the second and third largest cities in Mongolia. A survey instrument was used to gather information on influencing factors on lead exposure and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess a spectrum of behavioral problems among the children.ResultsThe mean blood lead level (BLL) of children in the two cities was found to be 3.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL (range: < 1.5–17.2 μg/dL) and 27.8% of the children had BLLs ≥5 μg/dL. Average BLL of children in Erdenet (a mining center) was significantly higher than that for children in Darkhan, and there was statistically significant difference between average BLL of children who live in ger district (4.2 ± 2.8 μg/dL) compared to those of children in housing units within the city (3.2 ± 2.4 μg/dL). In spite of the low values, BLLs was significantly associated with a number of effects on the spectrum of behavioral disorders, specifically with the scores for hyperactivity, conduct disorder and pro-social behavior.ConclusionsThis study shows that childhood lead poisoning is common especially in ger communities of the urban areas of Mongolia. It contributes evidence showing that BLL low as 3.8 μg/dL can selectively activate some effects from a spectrum of likely behavioral disorders in children.

Interactive Effects between Chronic Lead Exposure and the Homeostatic Iron Regulator Transport HFE Polymorphism on the Human Red Blood Cell Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV).

Research has shown that long-term exposure to lead harms the hematological system. The homeostatic iron regulator HFE (hemochromatosis) mutation, which has been shown to affect iron absorption and iron overload, is hypothesized to be related to lead intoxication in vulnerable individuals. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the HFE genotype modifies the blood lead levels that affect the distributions of serum iron and other red blood cell indices. Overall, 121 lead workers and 117 unexposed age-matched subjects were recruited for the study. The collected data included the blood lead levels, complete blood count, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin, and ferritin, which were measured during regular physical examinations. All subjects filled out questionnaires that included demographic information, medical history, and alcohol and tobacco consumption. HFE genotyping for C282Y and H63D was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP). The mean blood lead level in lead workers was 19.75 µg/dL and was 2.86 µg/dL in unexposed subjects. Of 238 subjects, 221 (92.9%) subjects were wild-type (CCHH) for HFE C282Y and H63D, and 17 (7.1%) subjects were heterozygous for a H63D mutation (CCHD). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that blood lead was significantly negatively associated with hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), whereas the HFE variant was associated negatively with MCV and positively with ferritin. An interactive influence on MCV was identified between blood lead and HFE variants. Our research found a significant modifying effect of the HFE variant, which possibly affected MCV. The HFE H63D heterozygous (CCHD) variant seemed to provide a protective factor against lead toxicity. Future studies should focus on competing binding proteins between iron and lead influenced by gene variation.

Association of Childhood Lead Exposure With Adult Personality Traits and Lifelong Mental Health

Millions of adults now entering middle age were exposed to high levels of lead, a developmental neurotoxin, as children. Although childhood lead exposure has been linked to disrupted behavioral development, the long-term consequences for adult mental and behavioral health have not been fully characterized. To examine whether childhood lead exposure is associated with greater psychopathology across the life course and difficult adult personality traits. This prospective cohort study was based on a population-representative birth cohort of individuals born between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973, in Dunedin, New Zealand, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. Members were followed up in December 2012 when they were 38 years of age. Data analysis was performed from March 14, 2018, to October 24, 2018. Childhood lead exposure ascertained as blood lead levels measured at 11 years of age. Blood lead levels were unrelated to family socioeconomic status. Primary outcomes were adult mental health disorder symptoms assessed through clinical interview at 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38 years of age and transformed through confirmatory factor analysis into continuous measures of general psychopathology and internalizing, externalizing, and thought disorder symptoms (all standardized to a mean [SD] of 100 [15]) and adult personality assessed through informant report using the Big Five Personality Inventory (assessing neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) at 26, 32, and 38 years of age (all scores standardized to a mean [SD] of 0 [1]). Hypotheses were formulated after data collection; an analysis plan was posted in advance. Of 1037 original study members, 579 (55.8%) were tested for lead exposure at 11 years of age (311 [53.7%] male). The mean (SD) blood lead level was 11.08 (4.96) μg/dL. After adjusting for study covariates, each 5-μg/dL increase in childhood blood lead level was associated with a 1.34-point increase (95% CI, 0.11-2.57; P = .03) in general psychopathology, driven by internalizing (b = 1.41; 95% CI, 0.19-2.62; P = .02) and thought disorder (b = 1.30; 95% CI, 0.06-2.54; P = .04) symptoms. Each 5-μg/dL increase in childhood blood lead level was also associated with a 0.10-SD increase in neuroticism (95% CI, 0.02-0.08; P = .02), a 0.09-SD decrease in agreeableness (95% CI, -0.18 to -0.01; P = .03), and a 0.14-SD decrease in conscientiousness (95% CI, -0.25 to -0.03; P = .01). There were no statistically significant associations with informant-rated extraversion (b = -0.09; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.004; P = .06) and openness to experience (b = -0.07; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.03; P = .15). In this multidecade, longitudinal study of lead-exposed children, higher childhood blood lead level was associated with greater psychopathology across the life course and difficult adult personality traits. Childhood lead exposure may have long-term consequences for adult mental health and personality.

Blood Lead Level of Children and its Trend in Mitrovica, Kosova

AbstractEnvironmental exposure to lead is considered to be one of the most important hazards to the health of children. Most commonly exposed are those who are poor and live in developing countries. The environmental lead pollution problem in the Roma Mahala neighborhood of Mitrovica was discovered through the appearance of high blood lead levels (BLLs) in children living there. The aim of our study was to investigate the BLLs in children according to gender, age, and area of residence. This study describes the results from a 7-year retrospective study (January 2010–April 2017) based on BLLs conducted on children aged 0 to 13 years living in all three districts of Mitrovica. The survey included 331 children. Blood lead analysis was performed in the laboratory using capillary and venipuncture samples tested by anodic stripping voltammetry using LeadCare II machines. Mean BLLs were the highest in the Roma Mahala with 23.6 mg/dL (standard deviation ± 15.9 µg/dL). We obtained a statistical significance (p &lt; 0.0001) between BLLs according to the settlements. The mean BLLs was higher in the 3 to 4 years aged children group in comparison with other age groups (p = 0.009). In none of the age groups with the Mann–Whitney test we obtained a significant gender difference on BLL (p &gt; 0.05). Lead poisoning levels continue to be a serious problem among children living in Mitrovica over the past several years due to heavy lead pollution. All children from this region should receive environmental evaluations and medical examinations.

The Presence of Lead in Blood of Pregnant Women at the First Trimester in Al Najaf City−Iraq

A certain concern is related to the presence of lead in the bloodstream of pregnant women due to its passage to the developing fetus. This study aimed to assess lead blood levels in first trimester pregnant women in Al-Najaf city. A cross-sectional study design was applied including 48 pregnant women at the first trimester who were met the inclusion criteria. Samples of blood were collected under aseptic technique and have been tested in the laboratory of the pharmacy college of Al-Kufa. Findings of the study revealed that high proportion of women aged 15–25 years while the lower proportion aged (≤ 36 years). The mean blood lead level was <1 μg/dl in 36 women (75%), 1 μg/dl in 4 (8.33%) and ≥ 2 μg/dl in the remaining 8 (16.67%) women, (P.value =0.001). However, the blood lead levels of the studied group ranged (0.10–114.95) μg/dl with highly statistically significant difference between minimum and the maximum values, (P.value<0.001). The mean prenatal blood lead level of housewives and worker women was (0.255 and 7.136 μg/dl) respectively with highly statistically significant difference (P.value=0.001). A strong direct correlation had been found between the previous abortion and prenatal lead blood levels (r = 0.83). In conclusion a significant proportion of women at first trimester had high levels of blood lead and it was associated with previous abortions. hence we recommended to conduct blood lead testing on all pregnant women and establish a program for the treatment.