Blood Lead Level

The detection and prevention of lead toxicity and poisoning among children have been a major international public health priority. The distribution and severity of lead toxicity are determined largely by lead in gasoline emissions, proximity to environmental sources, point sources, hot spots, and episodic exposures, sometimes from food sources . Infants and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure because of more rapid airway and gastrointestinal absorption, handto-mouth activities, and increased susceptibility of the developing brain to the neurotoxic effects of lead . High exposures produce acute poisoning, with abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, irritability, bone and joint pain, and convulsions. Lead exposure has been linked to increased risk for diverse health outcomes, including infertility and cancer . Today, the major concerns regarding childhood lead exposures are the health risks associated with exposures once considered "normal." These low-level exposures produce subtle and not readily detectable neurobehavioral effects on personality, intellectual development, behavior, and achievement . New data suggest that a safe threshold without adverse neurobehavioral effect is lower than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold of 10 µg/dL for intervention, and

This systematic review investigates the health risks associated with informal Used Lead-Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling in Nigeria, using Ogijo, Ogun State, as a sentinel case study. Drawing on biomonitoring data, environmental audits, and regulatory reports from 2024-2026, the study documents widespread lead contamination of soil, water, and air around ULAB processing sites, with playground soil Pb levels reaching 1,900 ppm exceeding U.S. EPA residential thresholds by over fourfold. Blood lead level (BLL) testing among 500 residents revealed that 71% of sampled individuals had BLLs above the WHO threshold of 5 µg/dL, with mean values of 12 µg/dL in children and 25 µg/dL in workers, and peaks up to 38 µg/dL. These exposures are associated with acute symptoms such as convulsions, anaemia, and renal impairment, as well as chronic neurodevelopmental deficits, including an estimated 5-10 IQ-points loss per 2 µg/dL increment. Meta-analysis of 12 studies yielded a pooled mean BLL of 15.2 µg/dL among exposed populations and a disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) burden of approximately 10,000 years annually attributable to lead exposure in Ogijo. Despite regulatory actions including the 2025 closure of seven ULAB recycling facilities by NESREA, elevated BLLs persist, highlighting critical gaps in enforcement, remediation, and long-term health surveillance. The findings demonstrate that informal ULAB recycling constitutes a major environmental-health crisis that parallels historical mining-related lead poisoning in northern Nigeria and calls for strengthened Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks, formalized recycling systems, and targeted health-intervention programs to protect vulnerable communities.

Information on the prevalence of lead exposure is essential to formulate efficient public health policies. Developed countries have implemented successful public policies for the prevention and control of lead poisoning. In the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union, for instance, periodically repeated prevalence studies show that blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have decreased overall. Although BLL of Latino children in the U.S. have also dropped in recent years, the geometric mean remains higher than that of white children. Little is known about lead exposure in children in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In this review, we responded to two questions: What is currently known about lead sources and levels in children in LAC? Are there public policies to prevent children's exposure to lead in LAC? Method: We conducted a literature review covering the period from January 2000 to March 2014 in the PubMed and Lilacs databases to obtain English, Portuguese and Spanish language studies reporting the prevalence of BLLs in children aged 0-18 years living in LAC countries. No specific analytical method was selected, and given the scarcity of data, the study was highly inclusive. Results: Fifty-six papers were selected from 16 different LAC countries. The children's BLLs found in this review are high (≥10 μg/dL) compared to BLLs for the same age group in the U. S. However, most studies reported an association with some type of "lead hot spot", in which children can be exposed to lead levels similar to those of occupational settings. Only Peru and Mexico reported BLLs in children from population-based studies. Conclusions: Most BLLs prevalence studies carried out in LAC were in areas with known emission sources. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in LAC is unknown, and probably underestimated. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish public health policies to quantify and prevent lead poisoning, specifically by prioritizing the identification and control of "hot spots".

IMPORTANCE Elevated blood lead levels in children are associated with neurologic effects such as behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, hearing problems, and impaired growth. In pregnant women, lead exposure can impair organ systems such as the hematopoietic, hepatic, renal, and nervous systems, and increase the risk of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcomes. Many of the adverse health effects of lead exposure are irreversible. OBJECTIVE To update the 2006 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women. The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for and treatment of elevated blood lead levels. In this update, an elevated blood lead level was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference level of 5 μg/dL. FINDINGS The USPSTF found adequate evidence that questionnaires and other clinical prediction tools to identify asymptomatic children with elevated blood lead levels are inaccurate. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that capillary blood testing accurately identifies children with elevated blood lead levels. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence on the effectiveness of treatment of elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children 5 years and younger and in pregnant women. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence regarding the accuracy of questionnaires and other clinical prediction tools to identify asymptomatic pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence on the harms of screening for or treatment of elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children and pregnant women. The USPSTF concluded that the current evidence is insufficient, and that the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children 5 years and younger and in pregnant women cannot be determined. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic pregnant persons. (I statement)

IMPORTANCE Elevated blood lead levels in children are associated with neurologic effects such as behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, hearing problems, and impaired growth. In pregnant women, lead exposure can impair organ systems such as the hematopoietic, hepatic, renal, and nervous systems, and increase the risk of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcomes. Many of the adverse health effects of lead exposure are irreversible. OBJECTIVE To update the 2006 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women. The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for and treatment of elevated blood lead levels. In this update, an elevated blood lead level was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference level of 5 μg/dL. FINDINGS The USPSTF found adequate evidence that questionnaires and other clinical prediction tools to identify asymptomatic children with elevated blood lead levels are inaccurate. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that capillary blood testing accurately identifies children with elevated blood lead levels. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence on the effectiveness of treatment of elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children 5 years and younger and in pregnant women. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence regarding the accuracy of questionnaires and other clinical prediction tools to identify asymptomatic pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence on the harms of screening for or treatment of elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children and pregnant women. The USPSTF concluded that the current evidence is insufficient, and that the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children 5 years and younger and in pregnant women cannot be determined. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic pregnant persons. (I statement)

In recent years, reports of lead contamination have dramatically increased in Georgia. Given concerns about the exposure of children to lead (Pb), the National Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-2018) included a blood sampling component. The results showed that 41% of the children that participated had blood Pb levels (BLL) ≥ 5 µg/dL and that BLL in children living in Western Georgia were higher than those in Eastern regions. In response to these findings, NCDC implemented written and verbal advice to the families of children who participated in the MICS-2018 on how to reduce Pb exposure. From August 2019 onwards, the state program of clinical follow-up was implemented. The design of this study was a longitudinal study. The intervention of interest was the public health advice and medical follow-up, and the outcome was defined as the difference in BLL between the MICS-2018 survey and the state program follow-up. We observed a significant overall reduction in median BLL between ...

This paper describes a retrospective cohort study comparing 60 workers occupationally exposed to inorganic lead and 60 matched controls. All subjects were assessed using data obtained from a specially designed Questionnaire for lead exposure and toxic effects assessment, physical examination, spirometry, ECG, and laboratory tests including blood lead level (BLL) and biomarkers of lead toxic effects. Muscle pain, droopiness, and work-related nasal symptoms were significantly more frequent in lead workers. The prevalence of lung symptoms was higher in lead workers than in controls, but not significantly (20 % vs. 6.6 %, respectively). Mean values of BLL and δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) were significantly higher in lead workers. The activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in lead workers was significantly lower than in controls. Abnormal of BLL, ALAD, and ALA were more frequent in lead workers, with statistical difference for BLL and ALAD. Inverse correlation was found between BLL and ALAD, and positive correlation between BLL and age, years of employment, and years of exposure. Inverse correlation was found between ALAD and age, years of employment, years of exposure, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and years of alcohol consumption. Changes in spirometry correlated inversely with BLL. A positive correlation was found between BLL and erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration, whereas it was inverse for ALAD and haemoglobin concentration. A significant difference was found for BLL and ALAD, with a very high odds ratio (14.64 and 7.23, respectively) and high relative risk (4.18 and 3.08, respectively). Our data have confirmed the association between occupational lead exposure and deviation in specific biological markers of lead effect and between the role of occupational exposure in the development of adverse effects.

Lead poisoning is a public health problem in many areas of the world. Children are at particularly high risk for adverse effects of lead exposure; even at low concentrations, lead can affect physical, mental, and behavioral development. Children living near lead-zinc mines are at high risk for environmental lead poisoning, especially the contaminated soil. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in Ban Thi Commune, northern Vietnam. 195 children (92,9% participation) aged 3-14 years old (average: 7.69 ± 2.90) were randomly selected from a list of all children prepared by the village health collaborators. 109 (55.90%) were boys and 86 (44.10%) were girls. The research measures were the lead concentration in native soil and the children’s total blood lead concentration determined by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The results showed that lead content in soil was many times higher than American Environmental Protection Agency and Vietnam stand...

Many published studies that examined the effect of lead exposure on neurobehavioral performances were conducted in confined manufacturing environment with low to moderate blood lead levels as a marker of exposure. This study was conducted in a general environmental setting with very low exposure intensity and blood lead levels. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of very low blood lead levels (below 10 μg/dl) on the neurobehavioral performances of policemen in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The study, conducted between August 25(th) and October 20(th) 2001, was cross-sectional in design and comprised of 89 policemen working in Kota Bharu district. The lead concentration of venous blood was determined using graphite furnace absorption spectrometer. We assessed neurobehavioral performances using the WHO Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB). The mean blood lead concentration was 2.5 + 1.0 mg/dl. Among the seven tests performed, the positive effect of blood lead on Benton ...

Lead exposure among pregnant U.S. women was examined via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2016 data to examine its role in bad cholesterol and oxidative stress. Mean values of the clinical markers non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a marker of oxidative stress, were explored. In four quartiles of lead exposure, clinical makers were compared. Binary logistic regression predicted the likelihood of elevated clinical markers in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women, while linear regression was used to examine associations between blood lead levels (BLL) and the clinical markers of interest. Mean non-HDL-c was statistically significantly more elevated in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Mean GGT levels were more statistically significantly elevated in the highest quartile of BLL exposure among pregnant women than in the lower quartiles. In binary logistic regression models, pregnant women w...

Introduction occupational practices continuously exposes workers to hazards of lead. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of occupational hazards associated with lead exposure, and blood lead estimation among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Methods this was a cross-sectional study. Multistage sampling method was used to select 428 panel beaters in Enugu metropolis. Samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer at 283.3 wavelengths. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science 20. Comparative analysis were done using chi - square, T-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, logistic regression and level of significance was set at 5%. Results the majority of respondents on both roadside (59.8%) and organized (73.4%) sectors had poor knowledge of hazards of lead exposure. The difference was significant using χ2 (P<0.05). The median blood lead levels were 3.0µg|dl and 16.0µg|dl for roadside and ...

Children are the most susceptible population to lead exposure because of three interacting factors; they have more opportunity for contact with lead sources due to their activities, lead absorption occurs more readily in a child compared to an adult, and the child's development is more vulnerable to lead than adults. Low levels of lead in the blood have been shown to cause adverse health effects; the level of concern for children is currently 10 g / dl. The contribution of dietary exposure of lead to increased blood lead levels ( PbB ) is not well characterized. This study was conducted to measure potential dietary lead intakes of children 2 to 3 years of age who live in homes contaminated with environmental lead. Objectives were to estimate lead intakes for children consuming food in contaminated environments, recognizing unstructured eating patterns and to investigate if correlations exist between daily dietary exposure and measured PbB. Dietary exposure was evaluated by collecting samples that were typical of the foods the young children ate in their homes. A 24 -h duplicate of all foods plus sentinel foods, i.e., individual items used to represent foods contaminated during handling, were collected from 48 children. Ten homes were revisited to obtain information on the variation in daily dietary intakes. Drinking water was evaluated both as part of the segregated beverage sample composite and by itself. Additional information collected included lead concentrations from hand wipes, floor wipes, and venous blood, and questionnaire responses from the caregiver on activities potentially related to exposure. Activities and hygiene practices of the children and contamination of foods in their environment influences total dietary intake. Estimated mean dietary intakes of lead ( 29.2 g Pb / day ) were more than three times the measured 24 -h duplicate -diet levels ( 8.37 g Pb/ day ) , which were almost six times higher than current national estimates ( 1.40 g Pb / day ) . Statistically significant correlations were observed between floor wipes and foods contacting contaminated surfaces, hand wipes and foods contacting contaminated hands and surfaces, and hand wipes and floor wipes. This study indicates that the dietary pathway of exposure to lead is impacted by eating activities of children living in lead -contaminated environments and that analysis of foods themselves is not enough to determine excess dietary exposures that are occurring. Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology ( 2000 ) 10, 723 ± 731.

Leaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on blood lead levels in the general population are not available. We evaluated the Pb impregnation in children and adults (0 -70 years old) in Kinshasa. Geometric mean blood lead was 120 µg/L (95% CI: 115 -125), with a higher concentration in men than in women (127 vs 114 µg/L, p=0.01). Sixty-three percent of children aged less than 6 years old presented blood lead levels above the 100 µg threshold. In the adult population, occupations with a potential risk of exposure to gasoline (car mechanics or garage owners, taxi drivers, conveyors and gas pump attendants) were associated with an extra blood lead of about 65µg/L. This study indicates a relatively important Pb impregnation of the Kinshasa population. It demonstrates the existence of a major public health issue requiring corrective actions and the implementation of an appropriate regulation.

Lead poisoning is a serious public health concern in Nigeria. Exposure to lead exerts toxic effects in several body organs and interferes with a variety of biochemical processes including nervous system development, thus, more toxic in children. Notwithstanding, occupational exposure particularly tricycle repairers in Nigeria is vague. The survey reports on the nature and extent to which tricycle repairers at Oshodi, Nigeria exposure to lead at workplace. Twenty tricycle repairers were randomly recruited and their anthropometric parameters were collected and recorded in a Quantum Health Machine (QHM). The automated QHM examined each repairer’s total (blood, tissues, organs, bones and body) lead contents immediately each repairer held the QHM’s sensitive handle and results displayed on detector screen. Repairers were mainly exposed to lead through lead tetraethyl (an antiknock agent in petrol). Repairers were exposed by ingestion and inhalation routes during siphoning of petrol in an...

Lead is an environmental pollutant that negatively affects human growth, development and health. However, research into its effect on age at menarche (first menstruation), a proxy for maturation, is, to some extent, inconclusive. In this study, we identified that lower than currently acceptable blood lead level was related to later menarche. However, body weight and fatness had a moderating effect on this relationship, decreasing its significance.

Environmental pollutions, particularly toxic elements such as lead, are among the most significant factors affecting the growth and functional development of children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood lead levels on handgrip strength (HGS) in urban children resident in the Copper Basin of Lower Silesia, Poland, controlling for the effects of chronological age, body size and socioeconomic status. The study included 165 boys (9–11 years of age) and 79 girls (9–10 years of age) from Polkowice town. Anthropometric measurements involved height, body mass and grip strength of the left and right hands. Maternal education was a proxy for socioeconomic status. Based on the median value of blood lead level (3.10 µg/dL), the two groups-below and above/equal median value-were defined. Analysis of covariance revealed that age (all p < 0.001), sex (at least p < 0.01), BMI (all p < 0.001), and blood lead level (at least p < 0.05) had a significant effect on the...

Introduction. Use of lead acid battery (LAB) in Bangladesh has risen with sharp rise of motor vehicles. As result, manufacture of LAB is increasing. Most of the lead used by these industries comes from recycling of LAB. Workers in LAB industry are at risk of exposure lead and thus development of lead toxicity.Objective. The objective of this study was to measure the blood lead concentration and to assess the magnitude of health problems attributable to lead toxicity among the LAB manufacturing workers.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the workers of LAB manufacturing industries located in Dhaka city.Result. Mean blood lead level (BLL) among the workers was found to be high. They were found to be suffering from a number of illnesses attributable to lead toxicity. The common illnesses were frequent headache, numbness of the limbs, colic pain, nausea, tremor, and lead line on the gum. High BLL was also found to be related to hypertension and anemia of the workers.Con...

In this study we quantify economic benefits from projected improvements in worker productivity resulting from the reduction in children's exposure to lead in the United States since 1976. We calculated the decline in blood lead levels (BLLs) from 1976 to 1999 on the basis of nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected during 1976 through 1980, 1991 through 1994, and 1999. The decline in mean BLL in 1-to 5-year-old U.S. children from 1976-1980 to 1991-1994 was 12.3 µg/dL, and the estimated decline from 1976 to 1999 was 15.1 µg/dL. We assumed the change in cognitive ability resulting from declines in BLLs, on the basis of published meta-analyses, to be between 0.185 and 0.323 IQ points for each 1 µg/dL blood lead concentration. These calculations imply that, because of falling BLLs, U.S. preschool-aged children in the late 1990s had IQs that were, on average, 2.2-4.7 points higher than they would have been if they had the blood lead distribution observed among U.S. preschool-aged children in the late 1970s. We estimated that each IQ point raises worker productivity 1.76-2.38%. With discounted lifetime earnings of $723,300 for each 2-year-old in 2000 dollars, the estimated economic benefit for each year's cohort of 3.8 million 2-year-old children ranges

Background and purpose: In the past century, concerns about the harmful effects of lead, cadmium and other toxic agents has been increasing emitted from automobile exhaust on human health. The present study investigated the concentrations of lead-cadmium in blood of traffic officers and taxi drivers in Arak, Iran, in experimental group compared to a control group. The subjects of this study included 49 traffic officers, 47 taxi drivers (case group) and 47 teachers who were studied as the control group. Blood samples were taken from subjects and atomic absorption was used to determine the concentration. In the present study, the mean blood lead level of traffic officers, taxi drivers and control group were (22.855 ± 17.854 µg.dl), (21.783 ± 17.615 µg.dl), and (18.074 ± 19.688 µg.dl), respectively and also mean blood cadmium level in traffic officers, taxi drivers and control group were (0.161 ± 0.126 µg.dl), (0.168 ± 0.117 µg.dl) (0.161 ± 0.121 µg.dl), respectively. There was not any statistically significant difference between the groups who studied with blood lead and cadmium levels. In addition, no statistical significant association was found between work experience and smoking, and blood levels of lead and cadmium. Blood lead levels were lower than occupational exposure limit (OEL) and blood levels of cadmium were also below the OEL. Lead concentrations in the blood groups of Arak city, according to previous studies in this field have been increased which was probably due to an increase in environmental pollution and industrial regions.

The detection and prevention of lead toxicity and poisoning among children have been a major international public health priority. The distribution and severity of lead toxicity are determined largely by lead in gasoline emissions, proximity to environmental sources, point sources, hot spots, and episodic exposures, sometimes from food sources . Infants and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure because of more rapid airway and gastrointestinal absorption, handto-mouth activities, and increased susceptibility of the developing brain to the neurotoxic effects of lead . High exposures produce acute poisoning, with abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, irritability, bone and joint pain, and convulsions. Lead exposure has been linked to increased risk for diverse health outcomes, including infertility and cancer . Today, the major concerns regarding childhood lead exposures are the health risks associated with exposures once considered "normal." These low-level exposures produce subtle and not readily detectable neurobehavioral effects on personality, intellectual development, behavior, and achievement . New data suggest that a safe threshold without adverse neurobehavioral effect is lower than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold of 10 µg/dL for intervention, and

Objectives To determine the prevalence and correlates of elevated blood lead level in children (6-144 months) of Aligarh. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Venous blood was obtained for lead estimation and a structured questionnaire was filled. Results A 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. Conclusions Lead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure. Meticulous renovation and painting of the walls with safe paints is desirable.

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans, especially children and pregnant women. In Thailand, guidelines exist to minimize lead exposure in pregnant women working in lead-related occupations. However, no guidelines exist for pregnant women who are not employed in these economic sectors. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine blood lead levels (BLLs) and related risk factors among 80 non-occupationally exposed pregnant women from the general population living in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. BLLs were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A validated questionnaire was adopted to interview participants which included demographic, consumer goods, supplement intake, and health factors. The mean BLL was 4.68 ± 1.55 µg/dL (95% CI 4.33–5.02) and 42.50% had BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL. Higher education was the only demographic factor associated with BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.80, p = 0.027). Systolic blood pressure was also as...

Research conducted in recent years has increased public health concern about the toxicity of lead at low dose and has supported a reappraisal of the levels of lead exposure that may be safely tolerated in the workplace. In this article, which appears as part of a mini-monograph on adult lead exposure, we summarize a body of published literature that establishes the potential for hypertension, effects on renal function, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse female reproductive outcome in adults with whole-blood lead concentrations < 40 µg/dL. Based on this literature, and our collective experience in evaluating lead-exposed adults, we recommend that individuals be removed from occupational lead exposure if a single blood lead concentration exceeds 30 µg/dL or if two successive blood lead concentrations measured over a 4-week interval are ≥ 20 µg/dL. Removal of individuals from lead exposure should be considered to avoid long-term risk to health if exposure control measures over an extended period do not decrease blood lead concentrations to < 10 µg/dL or if selected medical conditions exist that would increase the risk of continued exposure. Recommended medical surveillance for all lead-exposed workers should include quarterly blood lead measurements for individuals with blood lead concentrations between 10 and 19 µg/dL, and semiannual blood lead measurements when sustained blood lead concentrations are < 10 µg/dL. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid occupational or avocational lead exposure that would result in blood lead concentrations > 5 µg/dL. Chelation may have an adjunctive role in the medical management of highly exposed adults with symptomatic lead intoxication but is not recommended for asymptomatic individuals with low blood lead concentrations.

Research conducted in recent years has increased public health concern about the toxicity of lead at low dose and has supported a reappraisal of the levels of lead exposure that may be safely tolerated in the workplace. In this article, which appears as part of a mini-monograph on adult lead exposure, we summarize a body of published literature that establishes the potential for hypertension, effects on renal function, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse female reproductive outcome in adults with whole-blood lead concentrations < 40 µg/dL. Based on this literature, and our collective experience in evaluating lead-exposed adults, we recommend that individuals be removed from occupational lead exposure if a single blood lead concentration exceeds 30 µg/dL or if two successive blood lead concentrations measured over a 4-week interval are ≥ 20 µg/dL. Removal of individuals from lead exposure should be considered to avoid long-term risk to health if exposure control measures over an extended period do not decrease blood lead concentrations to < 10 µg/dL or if selected medical conditions exist that would increase the risk of continued exposure. Recommended medical surveillance for all lead-exposed workers should include quarterly blood lead measurements for individuals with blood lead concentrations between 10 and 19 µg/dL, and semiannual blood lead measurements when sustained blood lead concentrations are < 10 µg/dL. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid occupational or avocational lead exposure that would result in blood lead concentrations > 5 µg/dL. Chelation may have an adjunctive role in the medical management of highly exposed adults with symptomatic lead intoxication but is not recommended for asymptomatic individuals with low blood lead concentrations.

Background Lead stabilizers (e.g., lead sulfate, lead stearate) are common additives in plastics used in electrical devices. In 1997, three plastics compounders at one California company were severely lead-poisoned. Methods The poisonings were investigated by interviewing the workers, employer, and treating physician and reviewing medical records and environmental monitoring results. In addition to measuring blood lead levels (BLLs), noninvasive K X-ray fluorescence was used to measure bone lead concentration of the index case. Results Blood lead concentrations of the three workers at time of diagnosis were 159, 114, and 108 mg/dl. The worker with highest exposure presented with clinical findings of crampy abdominal pain, constipation, normocytic anemia, fatigue, and reversible azotemia. Bone lead concentration in his tibia, calcaneous, and patella were 102, 219, and 182 ppm, respectively. The poisonings resulted from uncontrolled use of powdered lead sulfate stabilizer. Clinicians should be aware of potential serious overexposure to lead in compounding of plastics.

Previous studies suggest that blood lead levels are positively associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-symptoms in children. However, the associations between lead exposure and ADHD subtypes are inconsistent and under-studied. The objective of this study was to explore the association of low-level concurrent lead exposure with subtypes of ADHD-symptoms in 578 Mexican children aged 6 to 13 years. We measured concurrent blood lead levels using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). We administered the Conners&#39; Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R) to mothers to evaluate their children&#39;s ADHD-symptoms. We filled missing values in blood lead levels with imputation method and used segmented regression models adjusted for relevant covariates to model the non-linear relationship between blood lead and ADHD-symptoms. Mean ± SD blood lead levels were 3.4 ± 2.9µg/dL. In adjusted models, a 1-µg/dL increase in blood lead was positively associated ...

Background-Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low-level lead exposure are high-prevalence conditions among children, and studies of large populations have suggested that these conditions are related. We examine this relationship in children from a community sample exposed to average background levels of lead who have a diagnosis of ADHD that is established by clinical criteria. Methods-One hundred fifty children ages 8-17 years participated (mean age = 14 years; 53 control subjects, 47 ADHD Predominantly Inattentive type, 50 ADHD-Combined type). Diagnosis was formally established with a semi-structured clinical interview and parent and teacher ratings. Children completed intelligence quotient (IQ) measures and the stop task (a neuropsychological measure). Lead was assayed from whole blood with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results-Blood lead levels in this sample closely matched US population exposure averages, with a maximum level of 3.4 μg/dL. Blood lead levels were statistically significantly higher in ADHDcombined type than in non-ADHD control (p < .05) children. Blood lead was associated with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention-disorganization, after control of covariates. Blood lead levels were linked with a lower IQ (p < .05), but IQ did not account for effects on hyperactivity. Instead, hyperactivity mediated effects of lead on IQ. Effects of blood lead on hyperactivity-impulsivity were mediated by poor performance on the stop task. This mediation effect was independent of effects of lead on IQ. Conclusions-Low-level lead exposure might be an important contributor to ADHD. Its effects seem to be mediated by less effective cognitive control, consistent with a route of influence via striatal-frontal neural circuits.

Lead, a non-essential metal, enters the body in various ways, making it a major public health issue. Painters and smelters report lead poisoning in children and staff. Mining and battery workers risk lead exposure. Traditional and cultural remedies may include dangerous quantities of lead, producing lead poisoning. These drugs must be properly understood and regulated to avoid toxicity. Lead poisoning symptoms vary by duration and severity. Lead first impairs cognition, development, and behaviour by damaging the neural system. Time degrades reproductive and haematological systems. Lead&#39;s quiet entry into the body makes it deadly. Acute lead nephropathy damages kidneys at 100mg/dL. Lead levels exceeding 150mg/dL may induce encephalopathy. Blood lead levels indicate lead poisoning severity. Lead levels over 10g/dL in children and 40g/dL in adults are hazardous. Lead toxicity affects various organs. Lead may induce hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It may also cause chronic ...

Objective. Blood lead level BLL and growth parameters including weight and height, in children, living in lead mining area was surveyed. Methods. Two groups of 7-11 yr old children, including 45 from a lead mining area (Angooran-Zanjan Province-Iran) and 36 from control area (similar area to the study area, but not lead mining: Ijrood-the same province), were selected to assess BLL (by atomic absorption spectrometry) and growth parameters. In the children of the study and control areas, mean BLLs were 36.97±24.67 (µg/dL; mean ± SD) and 15.57 ± 13.35 (µg/dL; mean±SD), respectively (P=0.0005). No significant correlation was found between BLL in children and their fathers' occupation. In addition, there was no significant difference in growth parameters, including weight and height, in the children of two groups. Regarding the results of this study, environmental exposure due to living in lead mining area can lead to increased BLL in children. In addition, our results suggest there is no significant effect of BLL on growth parameters in children in lead mining area. Since some clinical and sub clinical problems are strongly probable when BLL is increased, special attention of the relevant organizations, and more research about the problem and its outcome, is recommended.

Background: Tetraethyl lead was phased out of gasoline in Uganda in 2005. Recent mitigation of an important source of lead exposure suggests examination and re-evaluation of the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning in this country. Ongoing concerns persist about exposure from the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, the country's capital. oBjectives: We determined blood lead distributions among Kampala schoolchildren and identified risk factors for elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs; ≥ 10 µg/dL). analytical approach: Using a stratified, cross-sectional design, we obtained blood samples, questionnaire data, and soil and dust samples from the homes and schools of 163 4-to 8-year-old children representing communities with different risks of exposure. results: The mean blood lead level (BLL) was 7.15 µg/dL; 20.5% of the children were found to have EBLL. Multivariable analysis found participants whose families owned fewer household items, ate canned food, or used the community water supply as their primary water source to have higher BLLs and likelihood of EBLLs. Distance < 0.5 mi from the landfill was the factor most strongly associated with increments in BLL (5.51 µg/dL, p < 0.0001) and likelihood of EBLL (OR = 4.71, p = 0.0093). Dust/soil lead was not significantly predictive of BLL/EBLL. conclusions: Lead poisoning remains highly prevalent among school-age children in Kampala. Confirmatory studies are needed, but further efforts are indicated to limit lead exposure from the landfill, whether through water contamination or through another mechanism. Although African nations are to be lauded for the removal of lead from gasoline, this study serves as a reminder that other sources of exposure to this potent neurotoxicant merit ongoing attention.

Hazardous materials that need to be watched out for are exposure to lead (Pb) in solder wire from the used battery recycling industry. Pb can cause health problems for workers and the community around the high risk industry. Exposure occurs through inhalation, ingestion or skin because Pb is a multi-media pollutant. Abnormal levels of Pb in the blood have a risk of 1,783 times, can reach toxic levels and cause disturbances in the soft tissues of the liver, characterized by increased levels of SGOT and SGPT in the blood. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between blood lead levels and SGOT & SGPT levels in residents around the used battery recycling industry. The number of research samples as many as 40 respondents through the analytical method of observational cross-sectional design approach. Sampling was done by non-probability sampling with purposed sampling technique. The results showed that Pb levels reached 695.90 ug/L exceeds the value of the biologica...

Objective-To find the best lead exposure assessment marker for children. Methods-We recruited 11 children, calculated a cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) for the children, measured their concurrent BLL, assessed their development, and measured their bone lead level. Results-Nine of 11 children had clinically significant neurodevelopment problems. CBLI and current blood lead level, but not the peak lead level, were significantly or marginally negatively associated with the full-scale IQ score. -Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child's later neurodevelopment. CBLI may be a better predictor of neurodevelopment than are current or peak blood lead levels.

Background: Lead causes acute, sub-acute or chronic poisoning through occupational exposure along with decrease in some trace elements like iron, whose absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination being affected. Iron deficiency is a serious problem especially in developing countries and lead toxicity can augment anaemia directly by decreasing absorption of Iron and also by inhibiting enzymes of heme synthesis. Aim and Objectives: To assess haematological indices and serum iron and ferritin levels in Enamel paint industry workers who are exposed to very high Lead levels due to their occupation, and determine iron deficiency anaemia. Materials and Methods: Blood lead concentration was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. Haematological tests were performed using cell counter to measure haemoglobin, red blood cell and white blood cell count, etc. Mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were ...

Lead, a non-essential metal, enters the body in various ways, making it a major public health issue. Painters and smelters report lead poisoning in children and staff. Mining and battery workers risk lead exposure. Traditional and cultural remedies may include dangerous quantities of lead, producing lead poisoning. These drugs must be properly understood and regulated to avoid toxicity. Lead poisoning symptoms vary by duration and severity. Lead first impairs cognition, development, and behaviour by damaging the neural system. Time degrades reproductive and haematological systems. Lead&#39;s quiet entry into the body makes it deadly. Acute lead nephropathy damages kidneys at 100mg/dL. Lead levels exceeding 150mg/dL may induce encephalopathy. Blood lead levels indicate lead poisoning severity. Lead levels over 10g/dL in children and 40g/dL in adults are hazardous. Lead toxicity affects various organs. Lead may induce hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It may also cause chronic ...

There are many controversies regarding the relationship between lead exposure andcomplications in pregnancy. Preeclampsia (PE) is a maternal hypertensive disorder which is one of the main causes of maternal and foetal mortality. The aim of our study was to assess blood lead level (BLL) in Polish women with PE (PE group, n = 66) compared with healthy, non-pregnant women (CNP group, n = 40) and healthy pregnant women (CP group, n = 40). BLL was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BLL in the CP group were significantly lower than in the PE group (p &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression analyses of BLL showed a significant positive relationship with the presence of PE. Furthermore, both the SBP and DBP values were positively associated with BLL. This study indicates that preeclamptic women tend to present with significantly higher BLL compared to healthy pregnant women. There were no differ...