Hair Pb Levels Research Articles

A systematic review of the association between lead levels in hair and urine in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterised by inattentiveness, hyperkinetic behaviour, and impulsivity in childhood, leads to decreased academic performance and learning in general. Among the environmental factors, lead (Pb) in the environment is considered a crucial public health issue associated with ADHD. This study assessed the existing literature for the association of hair and urine lead levels with ADHD. The studies included in this systematic review were case-control observational and prevalence studies of a place or population. For hair Pb levels, out of 478 participants, 89 were ADHD cases and 389 controls showed a pooled effect of a standardised mean difference of 0.30 (0.03–0.57). The overall effect Z was 2.16, which was statistically significant (P = 0.03). For urine Pb levels, there were 196 ADHD cases and 423 healthy controls. The pooled effect of the standardised mean difference was 0.34 (0.13–0.56). The overall effect Z was 3.12, which was statistically significant (P = 0.002). Pb estimations can reduce the disease burden of ADHD by non-invasive methods such as in hair and urine, which have better acceptance by parents.

Analysis of hair trace metal levels among workers at smelter limited company

Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals that has a negative effect on the health of the human body and the environment. This metal is included in the 20 dangerous and toxic heavy metals defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1997. One way to detect exposure to lead (Pb) in the body is to analyze the levels of lead in hair. The impact of exposure to lead (Pb) can cause neurological disorders, kidney function, reproductive system function, and nerve function.Purpose: To analyze lead levels through the hair of smelter workers at the smelting department of smelter limited company on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.Method: Quantitative with cross-sectional method approach. The population in this study were workers at the smelter limited company smelting division. The object of research was 30 hair samples taken using a purposive sampling method. Data analysis was processed statistically so that the research data could be concluded as univariate, bivariate, and multivariate.Results: The Fisher's exact test showed a p-value of 1,000 so it could be concluded that there was no relationship between age and Pb levels in workers' hair. There is no relationship between working duration and Pb levels in workers' hair with a p-value > 1,000. That there is no significant relationship between length of service and Pb levels in the respondent's hair with a p-value of 0.469. There is a significant relationship between smoking habits, use of PPE, and work environment with lead levels in hair with a p-value of 0.023.Conclusion: There is no relationship between age, length of work, and years of service with Pb levels in the respondent's hair because the p-value is > 0.05. And there is a relationship between the variables of smoking habits, use of PPE, and work environment with Pb levels in hair with a p-value <0.05.

Effects of soil lead exposure and land use characteristics on neurodevelopment among children under 3 years of age in northern Taiwan

Lead (Pb) exposure increases the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Child-specific activities and land use scenarios may lead to elevated opportunities for Pb exposure through the soil. Therefore, we investigated hair and fingernail Pb concentrations among young children in northern Taiwan, in relation to soil Pb pollution and land use characteristics. We also explored the effect of the Pb exposure burden and land use scenarios on neurobehavioral development. In total, 139 healthy children under 3 years of age were recruited in October 2011 to April 2014. Pb levels in hair and fingernail samples were determined using an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer. Pb concentrations in soils and land use types surrounding the children's homes were accessed by a geographic information system to identify any associations with hair Pb levels. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) were used to evaluate the cognitive, language, and motor development of the children. A multivariable regression model was performed to assess the effects of soil Pb levels and land-use status on Pb exposure in children, as well as associations of Pb exposure and land-use scenarios with neurodevelopmental abilities. Geometric mean Pb concentrations in hair, fingernails, and soil were 2.9 ± 4.8 μg/g, 0.8 ± 5.1 μg/g, and 20.8 ± 4.3 mg/kg, respectively. The multivariable analysis indicated that soil Pb concentrations and green areas around residences had potential links with Pb exposure among children in northern Taiwan. Hair Pb concentrations were negatively associated with expressive language scores. Soil Pb exposure was positively associated with hair Pb concentrations. Land use types around the children's homes in northern Taiwan were associated with their neurodevelopment. Increased green areas were negatively associated with hair Pb concentrations. Living near a highway may have had negative impacts on gross motor scores. A healthy residence can avoid potential health risks for children during their early life.

Specific patterns of hair content of toxic metal in foreign students of the peoples’ friendship university of Russia (RUDN university)

The aim of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of hair content of toxic metal in foreign students originating from different regions.Material and methods. An examination of first-year students of the RUDN University originating from Russia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America was performed in the study. Assessment of hair aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) content was undertaken using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results. The obtained data demonstrate that the highest levels of Al, Cd, and Pb were observed in students originating from Africa and Latin America. The most prominent mercury accumulation was detected in subjects from Latin America. In turn, hair As content in foreign students from all regions exceeded the respective Russian values by a factor of more than two. No significant group difference in hair tin content was observed. In regression models, prior habitation in Asia, Africa, and Latin America is considered as a significant predictor of elevated hair Hg content. African origin was also associated with higher Pb levels in hair. In the case of cadmium, a direct relationship between prior habitation in Latin America tended to be significant.Conclusion. The obtained data revealed increased accumulation of toxic metals, especially, Hg, Pb, and Cd in the hair of foreign first-year students originating from Africa and Latin America, that may have a significant adverse effect on health and educational performance. At the same time, further studies aimed at investigating the particular contribution of toxic metal overload to health effects in RUDN University students are required.

Environmental chronic exposure to metals and effects on attention and executive function in the general population

Heavy metals are neurotoxic, associated with brain dysfunction, and have been linked with cognitive decline in adults. This study was aimed to characterize chronic exposure to metals (Cd, Be, Co, Hg, Sn, V, Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and metalloids (As, B, Sb) and assess its impact on cognitive performance of Tehran's residents, capital of Iran. Scalp hair samples gathered from 200 volunteered participants (110 men and 90 women), aged 14–70 years and quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Attention and executive function, two measures of cognitive performance, were characterized using the trail making test (TMT) part A and B, respectively. Mental flexibility was characterized as the Delta TMT B-A scores and cognitive efficiency or dissimulation as the ration between TMT B and A scores. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to gather information on demographic and socioeconomic as well as lifestyle and health status. The highest and lowest mean concentrations were observed for B (325 μg/g) and As (0.29 μg/g), respectively. Results indicated that chronic metal exposure measured in hair changed significantly based on gender and age (p < 0.05). The levels of Cr, Fe, Ni, Si, Hg, Pb and B were significantly higher in males' hair, whereas those of Ag and Ba were greater in females' hair (p < 0.05). The results of the cognitive TMT test were significantly different between gender and age groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, results revealed that As, Hg, Mn, and Pb levels in hair were significantly associated with poorer participants' performance scores in the TMT test (p < 0.05). Age, gender, cigarette smoking, water-pipe smoking, traffic density in the area of residence, and dental amalgam filling were significant factors affecting the TMT test scores. The results suggest that chronic exposure to metals has detrimental effects on attention, executive function, mental flexibility and cognitive efficiency.

Exposure to environment chemicals and its possible role in endocrine disruption of children from a rural area

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including pesticides and metals, are present in rural areas, endangering the health of exposed populations. This work aimed to investigate the possible association between the exposure to these xenobiotics and thyroid dysfunction in children living in a rural community of Southern Brazil. Fifty-four children aged 5–16 years participated in this study. Peripheral biomarker evaluations were performed in periods of low and high exposure to pesticides. Thyroid ultrasonography was evaluated in the high exposure period. Blood levels of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), as well as hair Pb levels were positively correlated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and negatively associated with free thyroxine (fT4) levels in the low exposure period. Prolactin was positively associated with hair Mn in both periods. In the ultrasound tests, the majority of children presented a normal echogenicity of thyroid. Glucose was inversely associated with the biomarker of exposure to cholinesterase inhibitor insecticides, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Lipid profile was above the recommended levels in both periods. In summary, our results show that children environmentally exposed to a mixture of xenobiotics in an agricultural community may have health impairments, especially on thyroid function, dyslipidemia, and glucose homeostasis disruption.

Hair Pb Levels, Work Duration and Health Complaints, of Waste Officers on Temporary Dump Site (Study on Dumpster Temporary Dump Site Mulyorejo Surabaya)

Hazardous household waste containing lead in TPS Mulyorejo is a source of environmental contamination that can caused health effects in humans. Heavy metals in the body will accumulate in hair, bone and soft tissue. Continuous Pb exposure would cause impacts include neurological disorders, kidney function, reproductive system, haematopoietic system, and the nervous system. The aim of this study to hair Pb levels, duration of work and health complaints officer at the temporary dump site Mulyorejo Surabaya. In this study was used a descriptive design with cross-sectional approach. The sample was 15 officer of the transport dumper in TPS Mulyorejo Surabaya and drawn by simple random sampling technique. The independent variable was the hair Pb levels and work of duration. The dependent variable is the health complaints. Hair Pb levels on the waste workers were still in the normal range between 0.007 to 1.17 mg/Nm3, although normal hair Pb levels but officers waste feel a lot of health complaints. Period and duration of working hour a day will affect the pile of Pb in hair and health complaints. Many perceived health complaints include feeling weak, fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, decreased appetite, feeling dizziness, throat irritation, dizziness and back pain. Its recommended that, DKP Surabaya and RT/RW increase cooperation in sorting and processing waste. For officers conduct periodic inspections to determine health problems early, eating nutritious foods, vitamins, and minerals to reduce the levels of Pb in the hair.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with High Levels of Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Hair Samples of Well-Nourished Thai Children in Bangkok and Perimeters.

Toxic element exposure increases risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, hair element profiles of well-nourished urban resident children were largely unknown. We identified prevalence and the contributing factors of high hair aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) levels in 111 Thai children (aged 3-7years old). Most participants were well-nourished with high socioeconomic status. Since ROC curve of hair element data showed inadequate sensitivity for cutoff set-up, US reference hair levels were used to categorize high and low level groups. Nevertheless, compared to the current reference at 5μg/dL, blood lead cutoff at 2.15μg/dL provided more consistent results with that of hair lead levels. High As and Pb levels were the first and second most prevalent element, while Al was the element found in highest amount in hair. High hair Al (12% prevalence) levels were associated with being male regardless of age or nutritional status. High hair As levels were associated with living in Bangkok (OR = 6.57) regardless of school type. High hair Pb levels were associated with being under 5years old and living in Bangkok (OR = 3.06). However, no associations were found between blood Pb, hair Cd, Hg, and tested factors. These findings suggested that under 5-year-old boys living in capital city like Bangkok may be at risk of exposure to multiple toxic elements. Future studies in these children are warranted to identify their exposure sources and proper risk management strategies.

Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead Exposure and Immunologic Function in Workers in Taiwan.

There has been growing concern over the impact of environmental exposure to heavy metals and other trace elements on immunologic functions. This study investigated men’s arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contents in hair samples and their associations with immunological indicators, including white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and the immunoglobulin (Ig) levels including IgA, IgG and IgE. We recruited 133 men from one antimony trioxide manufacturing plant, two glass manufacturing plants and two plastics manufacturing plants. The mean concentration of Cd [0.16 (SD = 0.03) ug/g] was lower than means of As [0.86 (SD = 0.16) ug/g] and Pb [0.91 (SD = 0.22) ug/g] in hair samples, exerting no relationship with immunologic functions for Cd. The Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between monocyte counts and hair Pb levels, but negative relations between As and IgG and between As and IgE. In conclusion, findings from these industry workers suggest that As levels in hair may have a stronger relation with immunologic function than Cd and PB have. Further research is needed to confirm the negative relationship.

Evaluation of toxic metals and essential elements in children with learning disabilities from a rural area of southern Brazil.

Children’s exposure to metals can result in adverse effects such as cognitive function impairments. This study aimed to evaluate some toxic metals and levels of essential trace elements in blood, hair, and drinking water in children from a rural area of Southern Brazil. Cognitive ability and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity were evaluated. Oxidative stress was evaluated as a main mechanism of metal toxicity, through the quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This study included 20 children from a rural area and 20 children from an urban area. Our findings demonstrated increase in blood lead (Pb) levels (BLLs). Also, increased levels of nickel (Ni) in blood and increase of aluminum (Al) levels in hair and drinking water in rural children were found. Deficiency in selenium (Se) levels was observed in rural children as well. Rural children with visual-motor immaturity presented Pb levels in hair significantly increased in relation to rural children without visual-motor immaturity (p < 0.05). Negative correlations between BLLs and ALA-D activity and positive correlations between BLLs and ALA-RE activity were observed. MDA was significantly higher in rural compared to urban children (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that rural children were co-exposed to toxic metals, especially Al, Pb and Ni. Moreover, a slight deficiency of Se was observed. Low performance on cognitive ability tests and ALA-D inhibition can be related to metal exposure in rural children. Oxidative stress was suggested as a main toxicological mechanism involved in metal exposure.

PO-0373 Lead, Mercury, Cadmium Levels In Breast Milk And Infant Hair In The Late Period Of Lactation From Ankara, Turkey

Aim Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) are found widely in environment and stay in nature for a long time. These toxic chemicals have some hazardous effects on child health. The purpose of this study are to determine the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd) in breast milk and infant hair, related environmental factors and the effect on infant growth and development at the postpartum 8th month. Method As a part of the cohort study at Hacettepe University Department of Social Paediatrics, 74 breast milk samples and 46 infant hair samples were taken at the postpartum 8th month. Mothers’ environmental exposure were evaluated by a semistructured questionnaire. Results Pb, Hg, Cd were detected in breast milk samples of 91%, 87%, 99%, respectively. Breast milk Hg levels were associated with maternal vitamin use within the first 2 months after delivery, breast milk Cd levels were higher in cases with expanded family, living in older house and in urban with air pollution during childhood. Higher infantile hair Cd levels were higher in cases with expanded family, living older house, maternal history of anaemia and postpartum anaemia. In girls z scores of birth weight, height for age at the 8 th month were inversely correlated with infant hair Pb levels. In boys, z scores of body mass index at the 8th month were inversely correlated with infant hair Cd levels. The levels of breast milk Hg levels were higher in infants with Denver II suspicious/abnormal. Conclusion It is suggested that presence of Pb, Hg, Cd in breast milk and infant hair have been affected infants of developmental and growth parameters. Preventive measures must be taken to reduce environmental toxic metals pollution and efforts should be made for the management of anaemia in females in all age groups.

Multiple exposure and effects assessment of heavy metals in the population near mining area in South China.

The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in the environment and several important food sources grown and consumed in the vicinity of Dabaoshan mine in Southern China, and evaluate potential health risks among local residents. The Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations of arable soils and well water near the mines exceeded the quality standard values. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in some food crops (rice grain, vegetable and soybean) samples were significantly higher than the maximum permissible level. The Cd and Pb concentrations in half of the chicken and fish meat samples were higher than the national standard. The residents living near Dabaoshan mine had higher Cd and Pb levels in hair than those of a non-exposed population. The intake of rice was identified as a major contributor to the estimated daily intake of these metals by the residents. The hazard index values for adults and children were 10.25 and 11.11, respectively, with most of the estimated risks coming from the intake of home-grown rice and vegetables. This study highlights the importance of multiple pathways in studying health risk assessment of heavy metal exposure in China.

Monitoring lead in hair of children and adolescents of Alcalá de Henares, Spain. A study by gender and residential areas

In recent years there has been an increased interest from the European Union (EU) in the development of large Human Bio-monitoring (HBM) studies across Europe, especially biomonitoring toxic metals. In Spain, most studies using hair as a biomarker have been conducted to determine occupational or industrial exposures, and have involved adult populations. Few studies have involved adolescents and children, despite these groups being sensitive to environmental contamination and pollutants. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the degree of lead exposure in children and adolescents residing in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Lead poisoning is the number one toxicological threat in the environment. So, lead (Pb) was selected as it is a persistent environmental contaminant, is measureable and is also a neurotoxin that can affect brain development. The city of Alcalá de Henares was divided into four zones to determine the influence of residence area on Pb levels. A range of other variables including age and gender were also considered within the study. The study comprised 115 children (6–9years old) and 96 adolescents (13–16years old). There was a significant difference between the levels of Pb in the hair of adolescents, for different gender and area of residence (p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively). There was no significant difference in the Pb levels in hair of children, for different gender or area of the city. The levels of Pb were significantly (p<0.001) elevated in children compared to adolescents (1.48 vs. 0.70μg/g), and there was a significant difference in Pb levels in male and female adolescent hair (0.53 vs. 0.77μg/g) (p<0.001). The association observed between areas of residence and the Pb level in hair of the adolescent group could be mainly attributed to dietary habits and/or socioeconomic status.

Metal Concentrations in Hair and Cognitive Assessment in an Adolescent Population

The objective of this study was to establish the potential relationship between the levels of various metals in hair and cognitive functions in children living in zones of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) with different metal pollution levels. Thirty-nine boys and 61 girls (12-14 yr old) from various schools were selected for the study. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and tin (Sn) in scalp hair were determined by inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Attention, visuospatial capabilities, and abstract reasoning were assessed as indicators of cognitive impairment. Three categories of attention were defined: low, medium, and high. A significant negative correlation (p=0.019) between Pb levels in hair and attention was observed. Significant differences between Pb levels in hair in low- and medium-performance groups and those in the high-performance group were also found. Moreover, a positive correlation (p=0.048) between Hg hair concentrations and visuospatial capabilities was also noted.

Age- and sex-related differences in zinc and lead levels in human hair.

The hair of 1518 healthy subjects between newborn and 70 yr old living in Linfen city and the surrounding rural area in Shanxi province, North China, was analyzed by means of a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer method in order to determine the concentrations of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). The collected samples were subdivided on the basis of age, sex, and place of residence (urban and rural). In female hair, the contents of Zn were higher than in male, but the hair Pb concentrations of males were slightly higher than those of females. Age seems to have a different influence on the two elements. The maximum amount of hair Zn was found generally in newborns. From the baby group (<1 yr) to the puberty group (15-19 yr), Zn levels in hair increased with age, and then Zn levels decreased with age from the puberty group to elderly group (61-70 yr). The hair Pb levels were the lowest in newborns, increased with age from newborn to infant (1-2 yr), and then decreased with age from infant to the elderly. It was shown that the hair Pb and Zn levels were inversely related in various age groups, suggesting that there is possibly antagonism between Pb and Zn in the human body. The results also showed the hair Pb levels of subjects living in the urban area, except for newborns, were higher than those of subjects residing in the rural area. However, no difference between the hair Zn contents of the populations residing in urban and rural areas.

Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations in hair and toenails of young children and family members: a follow-up study

In a follow-up study concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc (measured by atomic absorption spectrometry) in scalp hair and toenail clippings of 47 children (5–9 years) were compared with previous values (2 years earlier). Family members were also monitored. Twenty-five of the children selected have had either high hair values of Cd, Cu, Pb or low hair Zn concentrations or combinations of these (group A) in the first study. Control group comprised 22 children (B). At the follow-up study, there were no more differences between group A and B. Between the first and follow-up study Cd and Pb levels in hair and toenails of group A children declined (geometric means; hair Cd: 265 vs. 111 ng/g; hair Pb: 10.1 vs. 3.8 μg/g; toenail Cd: 720 vs. 335 ng/g; toenail Pb 18.5 vs. 5.8 μg/g) and hair Zn values increased (54 vs. 103 μg/g). Fathers of exposed children had more Cd and Pb in hair and toenails than fathers of control children (hair Cd: 88 vs. 48 ng/g; hair Pb: 4.4 vs. 1.3 μg/g; toenail Cd: 46 vs. 23 ng/g; toenail Pb: 1.3. vs. 0.7 μg/g). No conclusive findings were obtained for Cu. With respect to heavy metal levels of mothers and brothers and sisters there was no uniform pattern. Children < 5 years of age are especially prone to higher Cd, Pb exposure and to lower Zn status compared with older children.

Blood-Pb and hair-Pb levels in donor-matched samples

Lead concentrations in blood and scalp hair of 200 school boys, aged 6–8 years, were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean blood-Pb concentration was 6·8 μg dl −1 and the mean hair-Pb concentration was 9·7 μg g −1 (dry weight). These values are well within the normal range for the respective tissues, indicating that the children studied are presently at relatively low risk from environmental lead pollution. A correlation analysis carried out on the data failed to show any statistically significant correlation ( r = 0·13, p < 0·05) between the blood-Pb and hair-Pb concentrations.