Potential Sources Of Lead Exposure Research Articles

Lead Poisoning in a Mother and Her Four Children Using a Traditional Eye Cosmetic - New York City, 2012-2023.

Even low levels of lead in children's blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues. Adults are also vulnerable to the detrimental health effects of lead exposure. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene receives blood lead test results for NYC residents and conducts investigations of lead poisoning cases. Blood lead testing of a child aged 4 years in 2012 led to the discovery of blood lead levels above the CDC blood lead reference value of 3.5 μg/dL in the child as well as four other family members over a period of 11 years, including the child's mother and three younger siblings born during 2012-2016. The only potential source of lead exposure identified for all cases was the use of surma, a traditional eye cosmetic, which was found to contain 390,000 ppm lead. The cases in this report highlight the challenges of risk communication when deeply ingrained cultural practices, such as the use of surma, persist despite health warnings. Moreover, they highlight the intergenerational nature of such practices and the need for comprehensive family follow-up once a member is identified as being at risk. These products continue to be available globally, even in places such as the United States where sales are prohibited. Multistakeholder efforts involving local and global engagement could promote reformulation of these products at the countries of origin to eliminate lead as an ingredient.

Assessment of prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children and pregnant women in Bihar, India

BackgroundWhile modeled estimates and studies in contaminated areas indicate high lead exposure among children in Bihar, India, local data on lead exposure in the child population is limited. ObjectivesTo characterize lead exposure, and assess potential sources of lead exposure among a state-representative sample of children and their pregnant mothers residing in Bihar. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 697 children under five and 55 pregnant women from eight districts in Bihar. Blood lead levels were determined using capillary blood and a portable lead analyzer. Household demographics, home environment, behavior, and nutrition information were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews with primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and elevated blood lead levels. ResultsMore than 90% of children and 80% of pregnant women reported blood lead levels ≥5 μg/dL. Living near a lead-related industry and pica behavior of eating soil were significantly associated with increased odds of having elevated blood lead levels. Additional risk factors for having a blood level ≥5 μg/dL included the use of skin lightning cream (aOR = 5.11, 95%CI: 1.62, 16.16) and the use of eyeliners (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.14, 6.93). Having blood lead levels ≥10 μg/dL was also significantly associated with the household member who had an occupation or hobby involving the use of lead (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.72). DiscussionElevated blood lead levels were prevalent among children and pregnant women in Bihar, indicating the urgent need for a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention strategy.

Blood Lead Levels in the Population Living in Algeria: A Cross-Sectional National Study.

Lead poisoning, is currently recognized as a real public health problem, The WHO classifies lead as one of 10 chemicals of serious public health concern. In Algeria and North Africa, to date, no study on the evaluation of lead impregnation has been carried out at the national level. The main objective of this work is to assess the exposure of the general Algerian population to lead. A cross-sectional study was carried out over the entire Algerian national territory, on a population aged between 3 and 74years old. The survey lasted three years, A questionnaire, a clinical examination and a blood sample were carried out for each individual. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the factors influencing lead levels measured in blood samples. The study population, spread over 39 wilayas and 121 districts, consists of 3674 individuals. The mean lead levels were 28.27μg/L, the median was 22.22μg/L, and the 95th percentile was 73.83μg/L, Blood lead levels were influenced differently by age, gender, wilaya of residence, dietary habits such as consumption of canned food and the way in which water is conserved for daily consumption. The use of kohl has been confirmed as a potential source of lead exposure. In Algeria, a blood lead value of 75µg/L serves as the Reference Exposure Value, guiding public health responses and risk management strategies, Recommendations have been issued to reduce the blood lead levels of the general population in Algeria in terms of limitation of lead in the sources of exposure, installation of an effective health monitoring system.

Concentrations of lead in ceramic tableware in South Africa

Ceramic ware is used around the world, usually daily. In the past, lead was used in the glazes and decorative paints applied to ceramic ware, mainly to increase durability, impart a smooth, glasslike finish to glazes and intensify decorative pigments. However, this use of lead at times contributed to lead exposure and poisoning. While measures have been put in place to limit the use of lead in ceramic ware in well-resourced countries, there is relatively little information on the situation in poorly resourced settings. In the current preliminary South African study, we assessed the lead content and leaching rates from newly purchased ceramic ware. The majority of the 44 ceramic ware items had lead levels ≥ 90 ppm. Elevated lead concentrations were found in the leachate from only one item. The findings indicate a need for further research on the potential for lead exposure from ceramic wares, and support calls for increased attention to the many potential sources of lead exposure in poorly resourced settings. Significance: The study reveals the potential for lead contamination of certain types of ceramic ware available in South Africa. Daily use of lead-contaminated ceramic ware may increase the risk of lead exposure, especially among the poorest. The study findings are indicative of a need for further research to fully characterise the extent of lead in ceramic ware.

Biomonitoring of exposure of Algerian population to lead

Lead poisoning, is currently recognized as a real public health problem. The WHO classifies lead as one of 10 chemicals of serious public health concern. The assessment and management of health risks and public health interventions are largely based on a detailed knowledge of exposure of the general population. Biomonitoring has become an essential tool in environmental health. In Algeria, to date, no study on the evaluation of lead impregnation has been carried out at the national level. The main objective of this work is to assess the exposure of the general Algerian population to lead This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, carried out over the entire Algerian national territory, on a population aged between 3 and 74 years old. It was carried out on a representative sample of households. The survey lasted three years. A questionnaire, a clinical examination and a blood sample were carried out for each individual. Analytical methods for the determination of lead in whole blood by ICP-MS were optimized and validated. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the factors influencing lead levels measured in blood samples. The study population, spread over 39 wilayas and 121 districts, consists of 3674 individuals. The mean lead levels were 28.27 μg/L [27.38–29.17], the median was 22.22 μg/L, and the 95th percentile was 73.83 μg/L. The prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (≥100 μg/L) in the study population was 2.2%. A blood lead value of 75 μg/L was proposed as the Reference Exposure Value (REL) for Algeria. Blood lead levels were influenced by age, gender, wilaya of residence, dietary habits such as consumption of canned food and the way in which water is conserved for daily consumption. The use of kohl has been confirmed as a potential source of lead exposure especially among women. Recommendations have been issued to reduce the blood lead levels of the general population in Algeria in terms of limitation of lead in the sources of exposure, installation of an effective health monitoring system and also an adequate management of lead poisoning.

Hidden toxins: bathtubs as a potential source of lead exposure in children

ABSTRACT Exposure to lead (Pb) remains a serious health concern for children in the United States, particularly those residing in deteriorating housing. While some sources of Pb such as deteriorating paint and lead waterworks are relatively well understood and widely known, other sources remain hidden. One potential hidden source is bathtubs. In this experiment, water resting in a leaded bathtub was tested over a course of 60 min to determine the extent of metal leaching from the tub to the water. Lead levels in the water increased from 6.8 μg/L at baseline to 13 μg/L after resting in the tub for 60 min. Further research is needed to understand if this is typical, the contributing factors, and clinical significance of this finding.

Testing Homes for Potential Sources of Lead Exposure as a High-School Science Project.

High‐school students tested soil, paint, and water for lead (Pb) in a total of 80 houses in their town of Pelham, New York, where blood‐Pb data indicate relatively high levels of child exposure. All the samples were tested in the laboratory using established procedures but this was preceded by testing of soil and paint in the field with a kit by the students. The total Pb concentration in 32 of the 159 soil samples that were collected exceeded 400 ppm, the EPA standard for bare soil in residential areas where children play. Only 4 of the 118 tap water samples that were collected contained over 15 ppb Pb, with the data showing that flushing for 2 min clearly lowered Pb concentration further across the board. The highest risk of child exposure may be posed by old Pb‐based paint, however, which was detected in 9 of the 48 samples that were tested. Residents were also the least willing to let the students test or sample their paint. High‐school students could help reduce exposure in the many towns where child blood‐Pb levels remain high today by identifying sources and, while doing so, learn about environmental science and measurement from this hands‐on experience.

A multimedia Environmental Model to Predict the Lead Concentration in Children’s Blood Near Al-Dorah Refinery in Baghdad

Lead-contaminated water, soil, and air have been perceived as potential sources of lead exposure for a considerable length of time, which continues to threaten human health; particularly that of young children. An Integrated Exposure, Uptake, and Biokinetic (IEUBK) as a human health risk model were applied to predict the Blood lead levels (BLLs) in children. A variety of data for air, soil, and water were obtained from the industrial region in Al-Dorah city in Baghdad for the period 2012- 2014. The result found that the predicted BLLs value of 11.17 μg/dL obtained from the IEUBK model was exceeding the agency’s threshold of concern of 10 μg/jdL which was considered as the lowest level of concern for BLL in children, this result of the IEUBK model was in agreement with the actual value of BLLs which were taken from previous literature for 24 blood samples of school children matched for age curried out in the same Al-Dorah region. This technique propels logical comprehension of the connection between BLLs in children and environmental media in both air and soil for the pollute condition. It can control national health-based benchmarks for lead and related community public health decisions.

Blood lead level in school going children of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract Objectives Lead exposure in children contributes to 600,000 new cases of intellectual disabilities every year with maximum occurrence in developing countries. Currently limited information is available on the blood lead level (BLL) in children of India. The aim was to estimate BLL in the school going children of local population of Jodhpur. Methods Four hundred twenty-six primary school children of government and private schools participated in this cross sectional study. Information regarding possible lead exposure was collected. BLL was estimated on Lead Care II analyser (Magellan Diagnostics, USA). Results The mean and median BLL were 4.25 ± 1.75 μg/dL (<3.3–22.6 μg/dL) and 3.5 μg/dL (Inter Quartile Range 0.9). BLL was higher in children of illiterate mothers, those residing near traffic dense areas, urban region and studying in government schools of urban region. Conclusions BLL in children residing in Jodhpur is much higher in comparison to western counterparts. Screening and awareness programs regarding potential sources of lead exposure can help in improving BLL.

Blood Lead Levels among Blood Donors and High-Risk Occupational Groups in a Mining Area in Ghana: Implications for Blood Transfusion among Vulnerable Populations.

Lead poisoning has been a major global health problem for decades, and blood transfusion has been suspected as a neglected potential source of lead exposure. Children and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and over 40 percent of blood transfused in Ghana is given to children under 5 years. However, there is little data on the levels of lead in donor blood and the main sources of lead exposure in the Ghanaian population. This study compared blood lead levels (BLL) among selected occupations at risk of lead exposure with healthy blood donors in nonexposed occupations in a Ghanaian mining area. We enrolled 40 participants each from the following high-risk occupational groups: small scale miners, painters/sprayers, drivers/fuel station attendants, and auto-mechanics as well as 40 healthy blood donors (made up of teachers, traders, and office workers). One millilitre of blood was collected from each participant for determination of their BLL, haemoglobin concentration, and blood film morphology. A total of 200 participants made up of 186 (93%) males and 14 (7%) females were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 28.6 ± 8.2 years and their geometric mean (GM) BLL was 6.3 GSD 1.4 µg/dL [95% CI: 6.0 – 6.6]. Participants in high risk occupations had significantly higher GM BLL of 6.7 µg/dL [95% CI :6.4−7.0] compared to 5.0 µg/dL [95% CI: 4.4−5.7] for healthy blood donors [p < 0.001]. The prevalence of elevated BLL (≥5 µg/dL) among the entire study participants, high risk occupations and blood donors was 84.5%, 89.4% and 65% respectively. There was significant association between elevated BLLs and working in an at-risk occupational group [aOR = 3.58, p = 0.014]. Haemoglobin concentration was not significantly associated with elevated BLLs. Basophilic stippling was not observed in any of the blood smears. Blood lead levels were high in blood donors and at-risk occupations in the study area and occupation was associated with elevated BLLs. It is important that measures to safeguard the integrity of donor blood go beyond screening for infectious diseases to include screening individuals in high-risk occupations for lead and other heavy metals to ensure that donor blood from such individuals is safe and does not pose potential danger to the health of vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

A Spoonful of Lead: A 10-Year Look at Spices as a Potential Source of Lead Exposure.

While lead-based paint and occupational lead hazards remain the primary sources of lead exposures among New York City's lead-poisoned children and men, respectively, these are not the only possible lead sources. Certain consumer products are often implicated. Between 2008 and 2017, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tested more than 3000 samples of consumer products during lead poisoning case investigations and surveys of local stores, and of these, spices were the most frequently tested (almost 40% of the samples). To describe spice samples-types, origin, lead concentrations, and the implication of findings for public health programs and global food safety regulations. Descriptive study of lead contamination in spices systematically collected as part of lead poisoning investigations. A total of 1496 samples of more than 50 spices from 41 countries were collected during investigations of lead poisoning cases among New York City children and adults and local store surveys. More than 50% of the spice samples had detectable lead, and more than 30% had lead concentrations greater than 2 ppm. Average lead content in the spices was significantly higher for spices purchased abroad than in the United States. The highest concentrations of lead were found in spices purchased in the countries Georgia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Morocco. Certain commonly used spices, particularly those purchased abroad in Georgia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Morocco, can have very high lead levels, which can contribute to lead body burden. This underscores the need to develop comprehensive interventions that educate consumers and initiate intergovernmental efforts for stricter global food regulations.

Systematic Review of the Literature of Factors Affecting the Exposure and the Levels of Lead in Human Breast Milk.

Human milk may sometimes contain chemical contaminants, which could have adverse effects on neonates or nursing infants. Lead (Pb) is of considerable interest due to its toxicity and occurrence. Furthermore, it has been suggested that human milk is a significant potential source of lead exposure to nursing infants. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify relevant studies, published in English until 2017, that investigated and explored common factors affecting the level of lead in human milk among lactating women around the world. Forty-nine papers were rated and explored the effect of one or several factors on the level of lead in human milk from 28 countries and carried out over a wide time frame from 1983 to 2017 and through Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, reviewing more than 5,000 subjects. Place of residence, maternal age, stage of lactation, smoking habits, maternal dietary intakes, and parity were the mostly assessed factors among the studies and considered as the main factors affecting Pb levels in BM. Other factors were not studied well enough and considered minor because few surveys evaluated their impacts. However, the literature findings are very controversial.

Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Infants and Children in Haiti, 2015.

Few studies have reported blood lead levels (BLLs) in Haitian children, despite the known presence of lead from environmental factors such as soil, water, leaded paint and gasoline, improperly discarded batteries, and earthquakes. We sought to determine the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) among healthy Haitian children. We enrolled children aged 9 months to 6 years from 3 geographic areas in Haiti (coastal, urban, and mountain) from March 1 through June 30, 2015. We obtained anthropometric measurements, household income, potential sources of lead exposure, and fingerstick BLLs from 273 children at 6 churches in Haiti. We considered a BLL ≥5 μg/dL to be elevated. Of 273 children enrolled in the study, 95 were from the coastal area, 78 from the urban area, and 100 from the mountain area. The median BLL was 5.8 μg/dL, with higher levels in the mountain area than in the other areas ( P < .001). BLLs were elevated in 180 (65.9%) children. The prevalence of EBLL was significantly higher in the mountain area (82 of 100, 82.0%; P < .001) than in the urban area (42 of 78, 53.8%) and the coastal area (56 of 95, 58.9%; P < .001). Twenty-eight (10.3%) children had EBLLs ≥10 μg/dL and 3 (1.1%) children had EBLLs ≥20 μg/dL. Exposure to improperly discarded batteries ( P = .006) and living in the mountain area ( P < .001) were significant risk factors for EBLLs. More than half of Haitian children in our study had EBLLs. Public health interventions are warranted to protect children in Haiti against lead poisoning.

IEUBK Model to Calculate the Lead Concentration in Blood Children of the Environment which Effect by Lead Emission: Empirical Comparisons with Epidemiologic Data: Developing a Human Health Risk Model to Quantify the Risk Posed by Soil Pb

For decades, human health was threaten (especially that of children) by what considered as a potential sources of lead exposure which are: lead-contaminated water, soil, and air. The proposed of the research involve developing an integrated exposure, uptake, and biokinetic (IEUBK) model as a human health risk model to predict the blood lead levels BLL in children. The data set of this project for human health risk posed by Pb contamination in air, water and soil were obtained from previous study achieved in 2014 which carried out on 108 school children (School children in rural areas (n=76 child) and School children in urban areas (n=32child) matched for age. The environmental samples demonstrated that the concentration of lead for air and soil exceeded the international acceptable threshold values. However, the concentration of lead in water was below the threshold value. The BLL value from currently result of IEUBK model was above the agency’s threshold of concern, 10 μg/dL which was documented as children’s BLL lowest level of concern. This predicted values result of BLL was in agreement with actual value of BLL in blood samples of school children for the chosen study. Also, the results of this research confirmed that the high BLL could be attributed to the high lead level in both air and soil of contaminate environment.

Factors Associated With Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and correlates of elevated blood lead level in children (6-144 months) of Aligarh.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Venous blood was obtained for lead estimation and a structured questionnaire was filled.ResultsA total of 260 children were enrolled. The prevalence of elevated blood lead level was 44.2%, seen mostly in children below 5 years of age. Old and deteriorating wall paints at home was found to be significantly associated with elevated levels.ConclusionsLead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure. Meticulous renovation and painting of the walls with safe paints is desirable.

Blood lead levels and potential sources of lead exposure among children in Montevideo, Uruguay

Blood lead levels and potential sources of lead exposure among children in Montevideo, Uruguay

Lead in duplicate diet samples from an academic community

Lead is a naturally occurring element that with the advent of the industrial era became a serious environmental and public health issue. Leaded gasoline, lead based paints, use of lead in plumbing and water pipes, ceramics with lead-containing glazes and tobacco smoke are potential sources of lead exposure for humans. Despite these multiple sources, food is still considered the most important one for the general non-smoking population. Hence, in the present study, the dietary intake of lead was determined in duplicate diet samples provided by 30 participants working or studying at University of Aveiro, Portugal. Pb was detected in all the analysed samples with values ranging between 0.009 and 0.10mgkg−1 ww which correspond to estimated daily intakes between 0.22 and 3.5μgkg-bw−1day−1. Risk estimations disclose that at least 3.3% and 26.7% of the participants might suffer cardiovascular and nephrotoxic effects, respectively.

Lead concentration in ‘surma/kajal samples’ from Japan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Lead is a toxic metal. Cosmetic products are a potential source of exposure to lead, particularly in South Asia and Middle East. Our objective was to analyze the lead concentration in ‘surma/kajal’ used in Japan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Methods: 33 ‘surma/kajal’ samples were bought from the markets of Japan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The chosen cosmetic products which shared the large respective market brand along with unbranded products were purposely chosen. These products had origin in England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The samples were analyzed by metallic composition analysis by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results: Of the total 33 samples, six (6) had lead content in them. Four (4) samples had extremely high lead levels and comprise the largest market share of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The other two were local made products from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and had relatively lower lead content. Conclusion: Eye cosmetics are potential source of lead exposure for the population in South Asia and Middle East. An analysis of available market cosmetic products is needed and regular monitoring is required to limit this hazard. Key words: Surma/Kajal, Lead, Mothers and child health, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Japan.

Proximal tubular nephropathy in two dogs diagnosed with lead toxicity

Lead toxicity was diagnosed in two dogs presenting with vague clinical symptoms. Complete blood count, biochemical testing and imaging changes showed a metarubricytosis in dog 1, but were largely normal in dog 2. Both dogs had glucosuria and proteinuria on urinalysis consistent with damage to the proximal renal tubules. Both animals returned elevated blood lead levels. A history of ingestion of lead was reported by the owner in one dog and elucidated from the second owner once the animal had recorded elevated blood lead levels. Lead toxicity is rarely reported in the human literature as a cause of proximal tubular dysfunction. To the author's knowledge this is the first case report specifically examining this in the dog. The clinical awareness that lead is a potential cause of proximal renal tubular dysfunction offers another tool to assist the clinician in the diagnostic process. This is particularly important given that the clinical signs and minimum database findings in animals with lead toxicosis are highly variable. Evidence of proximal tubular dysfunction should trigger the clinician to closely examine the history for a potential source of lead exposure and consider submitting samples to test blood lead levels.

Environmental impact in a rural community due to a lead recycling plant in Zacatecas, Mexico

A study was conducted to determine the concentrations of lead in soil and plants samples due to the exposure of emission from a metal-recycling plant in a rural community in Zacatecas, Mexico. The lead levels in the soils were determined as having cultivated crops, medicinal plants, and wild plants. Also, other potential sources of lead exposure, as firewood, a cooking glazed vessel, and soils from three houses were analyzed. Samples were analyzed with the energy dispersive X-ray technique. The average lead soil sample was 4940 µg/g, and the Pb average levels in firewood ashes was 207 ± 73 μg/g. The mean lead concentrations in edible parts of Zea mays, Capsicum annuum, and Avena sativa were 1551, 1474, and 1056 μg/g, respectively. Wild plants species showed very high lead concentration especially Acacia schaffneri, Buddleja scordioides, Tillandsia recurvata, Opuntia streptacantha and Amaranthus hybridus. The lead contamination path was through the emission of the metal-recycling plant.