Toxic Levels Of Lead Research Articles

Lead Poisoning of Bald (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Golden (Aquila chrysaetos) Eagles in the US Inland Pacific Northwest Region—An 18-year Retrospective Study: 1991–2008

To determine risk factors and seasonal trends of lead poisoning in bald (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden (Aquila chrysaetos) eagles, blood lead levels were evaluated in eagles admitted from the inland Pacific Northwest region of the United States to the Raptor Rehabilitation Program, College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University from 1991 to 2008. Admissions were from Washington (32 bald eagles, 27 golden eagles), northern Idaho (21 bald eagles, 25 golden eagles), northeastern Oregon (5 bald eagles, 6 golden eagles), Montana (2 bald eagles), Alaska (1 bald eagle), and unrecorded (6 bald eagles, 5 golden eagles). In these birds, 48% (22/46) of bald and 62% (31/50) of golden eagles tested had blood lead levels considered toxic by current standards. Of the bald and golden eagles with toxic lead levels, 91% (20/22) and 58% (18/31) respectively, were admitted after the end of the general deer and elk hunting seasons in December. Coyote hunting intensifies with the end of the large game hunting seasons and coyote carcasses left in the field and contaminated with lead bullet fragments become readily available food sources, exposing scavenging bald and golden eagles to high risk of acute lead poisoning.

Pathologic Findings and Liver Elements in Hibernating Bats With White-Nose Syndrome

Two groups of vespertilionid bats were collected from affected hibernacula. In group 1 (n, 14; pathology and microbiology), the average body weights of all species were at the lower limit of published ranges. Twelve bats (86%) had mycotic growth in the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. Geomyces destructans, with its characteristic curved conidia, was observed microscopically, cultured, and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Dermatitis and mural folliculitis was nil to mild. When focally coinfected with Gram-negative bacteria, there was necrosis and pustules. Fat stores were little to abundant in 12 bats (86%) and nil in 2. Thirteen bats (93%) had pulmonary congestion and 7 (50%) had bone marrow granulocytosis. In group 2 (n, 24; liver elements), 3 bats (13%) had potentially toxic lead levels and 1 (4%), potentially toxic arsenic level. There was no evidence of major organ failure or consistent element toxicity.

Monitoring of Lead in Topsoil, Forage, Blood, Liver, and Kidneys in Cows in a Lead-Polluted Area in Slovenia (1975–2002) and a Case of Lead Poisoning (1993)

The paper presents the results of a prolonged research in a lead-polluted area. Extensive systematic studies of lead concentrations in topsoil, forage, blood, liver, and kidney in cows on farms within 1–10 km around the lead mine and smelter were carried out. After installation of a filter in 1978, lead concentrations began to decrease. However, when toxic levels of lead were within normal reference values, the authorities stopped to finance the project. In 2002, the research was concluded. A review of studies showed that the protective filter was effective; during the period 1975–2002 mean lead in forage dropped from 584.0 ± 324.0 to 5.5 ± 2.9 mg/kg, and the mean blood lead levels dropped from 1.251 ± 0.580 to 0.069 ± 0.041 mg/kg. Three years after the filter was installed the amount of lead in the liver and kidneys had normalized. Closely related to our research was also a case of cow lead poisoning.

Hormonal Contraception and Blood Lead Levels in Inner-City Adolescent Girls

Study Objective Physiological states of estrogen deficiency can lead to bone demineralization. Lead is stored in bone and may be released into blood during demineralization. The contraceptive injection depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is associated with estrogen deficiency and bone demineralization and, we hypothesized, may be associated with toxic blood lead levels in adolescents at high risk for lead exposure. We sought to compare blood lead levels in inner-city adolescent girls using DMPA with levels in those using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and those taking no hormones and to examine the influence of lead exposure and reproductive history on blood lead levels in the total sample. Design Cross-sectional survey of a clinical convenience sample. Setting Inner-city adolescent clinic in an academic medical center. Participants 174 females aged 13–21 years; 86% minority ethnicity. Interventions None Main Outcome Measures Measurement of blood lead levels and an 82-item questionnaire examining lead exposure and reproductive history. Results 28 subjects were using DMPA, 25 used OCPs, and 121 used no hormones. Mean blood lead level in the total sample of 174 was 1.6 μg/dL, SD = 1.1. Many subjects had environmental risk factors for lead exposure and 15% reported one or more past pregnancies. Mean blood lead levels for subjects with the various environmental and reproductive risk factors ranged from 1.2 μg/dL to 2.0 μg/dL and were not different from levels for subjects without such risk factors. Mean blood lead levels for subjects in the 3 hormonal groups were significantly different (2.1 vs. 1.2 vs.1.5 μg/dL in DMPA, OCP, and no hormone groups respectively, P = 0.007). We dichotomized the blood lead levels into “High” ≥4 μg/dL, or “Low” <4 μg/dL. We found that a significantly higher proportion of girls using DMPA (4/28) than those not using any hormone (2/121) had “High” levels ( P = 0.012). Conclusions Despite reported high-risk exposure to lead and the possibility of long-term accumulation of lead in bone, we did not find elevated blood levels in our sample. However, DMPA-treated girls were significantly more likely to have higher mean blood lead levels than OCP users and non-hormone users. In addition, DMPA users were more likely to have blood lead levels more than two standard deviations above the mean for the sample as a whole than untreated girls. Further studies are needed to examine low-level lead poisoning in adolescents and the consequences of contraceptive choices on bone health.

Heavy metal concentrations in three shorebird species from Okgu Mudflat, Gunsan, Korea

Iron, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium were measured in livers of three shorebird species from Okgu Mudflat, Korea in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways. Iron concentrations in red-necked stints (Calidris ruficollis) (geomean = 1,322 microg/g dw) were higher than in terek sandpipers (Xenus cinereus) (467 microg/g dw), and great knots (Calidris tenuirostris) (158 microg/g dw). Copper concentrations in great knots (85.8 microg/g dw) were significantly higher than in red-necked stints (15.9 microg/g dw) and terek sandpipers (10.4 microg/g dw). However, significant differences in zinc concentrations were not found in livers among shorebird species. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations from this study were within the range of other shorebird studies. We suggest that essential elements such as iron, zinc, and copper are within normal range and are maintained there by normal homeostatic mechanism. Lead and cadmium concentrations differed among shorebird species; red-necked stints (geomeans 27.8 microg/g dw and 4.69 microg/g dw, respectively) were higher than in terek sandpipers (12.9 and 0.44 microg/g dw, respectively), and great knots (5.43 and 0.29 microg/g dw, respectively). Some red-necked stints exceeded toxic levels of lead and cadmium for wild birds. In livers of red-necked stints from Okgu Mudflat, lead and cadmium concentrations were higher than previously reported in other shorebirds.

Lead uptake, tolerance, and accumulation exhibited by the plants Urtica dioica and Sedum spectabile in contaminated soil without additives

Specimens of Urtica dioica and Sedum spectabile collected from plants growing at uncontaminated sites were transplanted in Pb-contaminated soil without additives (EDTA, HEDTA) to identify their natural potential for hyper-tolerance and hyperaccumulation of lead. The total content of Pb in the plants was determined by atomic spectroscopy. Our research showed that the concentrated toxic levels of lead (Pb) in Sedum spectabile and Urtica dioica were about 100 or more times higher than those of non-accumulator plants. It can be concluded that these plants have a high natural potential for hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation of lead, since they can hyperaccumulate it without addition of any chelating compounds (EDTA, HEDTA) to enhance lead uptake. This makes them very promising plants for use in phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated sites.

Spatial variation in vehicle-derived metal pollution identified by magnetic and elemental analysis of roadside tree leaves

Exposure to metal-rich particulate pollution is associated with adverse health outcomes. In particular, lead has recently been shown to be toxic in young children even at low levels previously considered ‘safe’. Lead poisoning from vehicle pollution has been addressed internationally by removal of leaded petrol but toxic blood lead levels in children continue to be reported in urban areas, the source suggested to be resuspended roadside soil, enriched in lead due to previous leaded fuel usage. Here, we use paired geochemical and magnetic analyses of natural biomonitors—kerbside tree leaves—and of air sample filters to examine contemporary sources of particulate pollution, and show that co-associated, fine (<1 μm) lead- and iron-rich particles are emitted as vehicle-derived pollutants. Higher and strongly correlated lead, iron and magnetic remanence values were found closer to roads and on the road-proximal rather than road-distal sides of trees. Critically, highest pollutant values occurred on tree leaves next to uphill rather than downhill road lanes. The lead content of the leaf particulates was associated only with sub-micrometre, combustion-derived spherical particles. These results indicate that vehicle exhaust emissions, rather than resuspended soil dust, or tyre, brake or other vehicle wear are the major source of the lead, iron and magnetic loadings on roadside tree leaves. Analysis of leaves at different heights showed that leaf particulate lead and iron concentrations are highest at ∼0.3 m (i.e. small child height) and at 1.5–2 m (adult head height) above ground level; monitoring station collectors placed at 3 m above the surface thus significantly under-estimate kerbside, near-surface lead concentrations. These results indicate that vulnerable groups, especially young children, continue to be exposed to fine, lead- and iron-rich, vehicle-derived particulates.

Severe Vitamin D-deficiency and the Health of North China Children

To determine the health and nutritional status of rural Chinese children ages 12-24 months. This study used a cross-sectional design with a longitudinal component. Anthropometry and blood chemistry were measured on each child twice (n = 250). Caretaker knowledge and behaviors that relate to the child's health and diet were evaluated by interview. Children were taken outdoors at an average age of 131.8 days. 65.3% of surveyed children had serum 25-OH-D levels less than 12 ng/ml in the spring. This declined to 2.8% in the fall. Mean blood lead levels were 15.7 +/- 11.0 microg/dl in the spring declining to 12.4 +/- 12.5 microg/dl in the fall (t = 6.47, P = 0.000). This still left 63.5 and 54.9% of the children with toxic blood lead levels in spring and fall. Rates of respiratory disease declined significantly from spring to fall. A summer outdoors remarkably improved vitamin D-deficiency and lead toxicity. However, nutritional status worsened as during the summer diet was unable to keep up with growth and increased nutritional demand. From spring to fall serum zinc declined from 0.77 +/- 0.19 to 0.66 +/- 0.21 microg/ml (t = 3.33, P = 0.001) and blood hemoglobin declined from 12.5 +/- 1.2 to 12.0 +/- 1.2 gm/dl (t = 4.07, P = 0.000). Northern climate and cloistering of children creates a host of health risks for north China children. Vitamin D-deficiency, lead poisoning and respiratory disease are significantly worse during the winter months. These children need vitamin D supplementation during the winter and improved overall nutritional status during the summer to maintain ideal growth and development.

Anaemia and abdominal pain due to occupational lead poisoning

We describe a 47-year-old patient with chronic anaemia with basophilic stippling of erythrocytes, recurrent abdominal colics, discoloration of gums, sensitive polyneuropathy to the four limbs, hyperuricaemia, hepatosteatosis with raised transaminases, and a long ignored history of lead exposure in a battery recycling plant. The diagnosis of poisoning was confirmed by high lead levels in the blood and urine, decreased erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D), raised erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZP), and elevated urinary excretion of porphyrins. Chelation with EDTA resulted in increased urinary lead excretion, gradual improvement of the clinical picture, and progressive normalization of lead biomarkers. The case highlights the importance of occupational anamnesis for the diagnosis of lead poisoning, an uncommon condition which may mimic a variety of internal and surgical diseases. Since antiquity, lead has been extensively mined, produced, and utilized in a variety of industrial settings, such as metallurgy, construction, production of plastics, ceramics, paints and pigments. Lead and its compounds are systemic toxicants, and a wide range of adverse health effects (including haematological, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and reproductive disorders) has been observed in exposed workers. The general population (particularly children) may also be exposed to toxic lead levels due to air, soil, food and water contamination. Thanks to the improvement of workplace hygienic conditions, the pathological picture of occupational lead poisoning (plumbism, saturnism) has gradually become less serious, at least in the most industrialized countries, and has progressively changed into aspecific, subclinical manifestations. We describe here an unusual case (nowadays) of anaemia and recurrent abdominal pain due to lead poisoning from battery recycling.

CDC RELEASES CHEMICALS SURVEY

HUMAN EXPOSURE TO LEAD and cotinine—a by-product of nicotine—have substantially, according to a study of chemicals in humans by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. CDC analyzed blood and urine samples of 2,400 people for 148 chemicals, establishing baselines for future studies. The chemicals covered in the new survey which was released on July 21, include dioxins, polychlorinatedbiphenyls, phthalates, and pesticides. Pyrethroid insecticides and aldrin, endrin, and dieldrin were tracked for the first time. A follow-up survey will measure 309 substances, including brominated flame retardants and perfluorinated compounds, such as those used to make DuPont's Teflon. The survey found that the percentage of children aged one to five years with elevated blood lead levels—greater than 10 ig/dLof blood—has dropped precipitously, CDC Director Julie L. Gerberding said at a press conference. For 1976 to 1980, 88% of children in that age group had toxic levels of lead. In the recent survey, only 1....

Mushrooms, tumors, and immunity: an update.

There is significant interest in the use of mushrooms and/or mushroom extracts as dietary supplements based on theories that they enhance immune function and promote health. To some extent, select mushrooms have been shown to have stimulatory action on immune responsiveness, particularly when studied in vitro. However, despite their widespread use for potential health benefits, there is a surprising paucity of epidemiologic and experimental studies that address the biologic activities of mushrooms after oral administration to animals or humans. There have been a number of studies that have addressed the ability of mushrooms to modulate mononuclear cell activation and the phenotypic expression of cytokines and their cognate receptors. There have also been a number of attempts to determine antitumor activities of mushrooms. Such studies are important because many of the components of mushrooms do potentially have significant biologic activity. All data, however, should be tempered by the possibility that there are toxic levels of metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury as well as the presence of radioactive contamination with 137Cs. In this review, we will present the comparative biology with respect to both immunological and antitumor activities of mushroom extracts and also highlight the need for further evidence-based research.

An analysis of maternal and fetal hair lead levels.

Lead contamination of the environment is an important public health consideration. There is evidence of declining blood lead levels in Britain, however, there is still concern about chronic exposure of the fetus and young children to low levels of lead and the effect that this has on neurodevelopment. Hair lead levels have been found to correlate well with body lead contamination. This study is the first to document the level of hair lead in pregnant women and their babies from an urban British population. There was no evidence of toxic maternal lead levels and the fetus is protected by the placental barrier.

An analysis of maternal and fetal hair lead levels

Lead contamination of the environment is an important public health consideration. There is evidence of declining blood lead levels in Britain, however, there is still concern about chronic exposure of the fetus and young children to low levels of lead and the effect that this has on neurodevelopment. Hair lead levels have been found to correlate well with body lead contamination. This study is the first to document the level of hair lead in pregnant women and their babies from an urban British population. There was no evidence of toxic maternal lead levels and the fetus is protected by the placental barrier.

Neurofunctional status of community residents evidencing toxic lead levels

Neurofunctional status of community residents evidencing toxic lead levels

Estudio de los niveles de plomo, cadmio, zinc y arsénico, en aguas de la provincia de Salamanca

To establish the degree of contamination by lead, cadmium, zinc and arsenic in the water in Salamanca province and its relationship with the provenance of the samples and their collection point. Transverse, observational, descriptive epidemiological study. Province of Salamanca. Water from water pipes, fountains, springs, wells, rivers, streams and lakes in the province of Salamanca were studied, analyzing the lead, cadmium, zinc and arsenic contents of 180 samples using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Results indicated that 56% of samples analyzed showed toxic levels of cadmium, and 28% of samples gave toxic levels of lead, but showed tolerable levels of zinc and arsenic. No major differences were observed in the degree of contamination by the four elements between the four provincial district areas. Levels of contamination by the four elements were compared for water from the water supply, and samples from wells, fountains, springs and surface water, showing similar contents of the elements studied. Findings suggest that the water in the province of Salamanca shows "naturally" high cadmium and lead content, probably due to the geological characteristics of the terrain.

Bone Density and Tissue Lead Accretion in Growing Rats Fed Low High Calcium With or Without Supplemental Clinoptilolite

The toxicity of lead in animals and humans is well documented. The naturally occurring zeolite, clinoptilolite, is known to offer protection against ammonium ion toxicity in rats and sheep and to counteract cadmium-induced iron deficiency anemia in rats and swine. The cation-exchange and adsorption properties of clinoptilolite suggest is possible role in reducing tissue uptake of ingested lead by animals. Evidence supporting this role was reported in growing pigs whose liver and kidney concentrations of lead were significantly reduced by the addition of 1.0% clinoptilolite to diets containing 500 or 1000ppm of lead. The basal diet was a highly fortified milk-replacer containing about 1% calcium supplied by milk constituents. High dietary calcium is known to reduce tissue uptake of lead and protect the pig from the tissue pathology associated with lead ingestion. The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels affect the growth, tissue uptake and bone morphology of growing rats fed diets containing toxic levels of lead. 20 refs., 3 tabs.

Cattle mortality in the Thane district, India: a study of cause/effect relationships.

An unexpected mortality of more than 300 cattle was investigated near a metal recovery factory located in a rural area of the Thane district of India. The factory was engaged in reclaiming lead, aluminum, tin, and zinc from discarded lead storage batteries and soft drink cans. The environmental samples (soil, leaves, grass, slag, water, and sediment), human blood and hair and animal samples (blood, urine, peritoneal fluid, liver, kidney, cow dung, ribs, and femur), collected for analysis revealed toxic levels of lead, cadmium, and chromium. Clinical examination of factory workers and school children revealed cough, fever, gastric problems, abdominal pain, skin lesions (scabies), and blue line on gums. Histopathological examination of animal tissues revealed chronic pathology with lead inclusion bodies in hepatocytes and renal tubules. Based on environmental, clinical, analytical, and histopathological observations, the mortality has been attributed to toxic levels of metals in the body and the malnourished status of the animals.

Lead Poisoning Due to Hai Ge Fen

To the Editor. —The interesting article by Dr Markowitz and colleagues 1 illustrates one of the hazards associated with consumption of food and medicine that are not prepared according to the standards of the US Food and Drug Administration. The ingredient that contained the toxic levels of lead and arsenic was identified by the herbalist as hai ge fen (clamshell powder). Markowitz et al described the clamshell powder as adulterated, implying that the toxic elements were added deliberately. We offer another possible explanation that may have a broader implication for those who travel in the Orient or who favor exotic foods. Antifouling paint that is applied to the hulls of ships and other underwater surfaces is extremely toxic. It is intended to kill every living thing that would otherwise attach to the surface, particularly barnacles. In that, it is effective for long periods of time. Eventually, however, hardy species such

SIMULTANEOUS EXPOSURE TO LEAD, ARSENIC AND MERCURY FROM INDIAN ETHNIC REMEDIES

SUMMARY We report the case of an Asian woman who was exposed to toxic levels of lead, arsenic and mercury through the use of Indian ethnic remedies, and who suffered symptomatic lead poisoning. We know of no other case of exposure to such a combination of heavy metals from this source. We believe that control of the dispensing of these compounds is essential.

Lead: who bears the burden?

Few pediatric public health issues have generated as much publicity, controversy, and concern as that of exposure to lead and its effects on the developing nervous system. Although debate continues regarding the actual effects in children of exposure to low levels of lead, consensus exists that the toxic effects of exposure to lead carry neurobehavioral risks at levels as low as 0.48 μmol/L (10 μg/dL). Heightened awareness of the risks for exposure to low levels of lead gave rise to the 1991 recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing exposures to toxic levels of lead in young children.1Acceptable blood lead levels were modified from the 1985 standards of 1.21 μmol/L (25 μg/dL) to 0.48 μmol/L (10 μg/dL). Testing of blood lead levels is recognized as the only reliable method of screening. Essentially, children with levels of 0.48 to 1.21 μmol/L (10 to 25