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Objective To investigate the occupational lead exposure and blood lead levels of workers in a lead-acid battery factory in Wuhan in 2020 and analyze the influencing factors of blood lead, and to provide reference for the blood lead intervention of the workers in the lead-acid battery factory. Methods The blood lead test results of 320 occupational lead-exposed workers in the factory were investigated and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results Among the 320 blood lead samples collected, 4 people had blood lead≥400 μg/L, accounting for 1.25%, and 89 people had blood lead≥200 μg/L, accounting for 27.81%. Among them, there were 235 males with a median blood lead of 155.10 μg/L, and 85 females with a median blood lead of 82.40 μg/L. The Wilcoxon rank sum test results of two independent samples showed that the overall blood lead level of male employees was higher than that of female employees, and the difference was statistically significant (P 50 years old. Using the Bonferroni method to adjust the significance level for pairwise comparison, it was found that there were significant differences in the blood lead concentrations between the group under 40 years old, the group of 40 - 50 years old, and the group of over 50 years old ( P < 0.016 after adjustment). The employees were classified into different workshops, including 38 samples from the administrative workshop , 40 samples from the charging workshop, and 242 samples from the assembly workshop. Using the Bonferroni method to adjust the significance level for pairwise comparison, it was found that the blood lead concentrations in the administrative workshop, the charging workshop, and the assembly workshop were statistically different ( P <0.016 after adjustment). Conclusion The age, gender, and type of work of the employees in the battery factory all have a certain impact on the blood lead level. It is necessary to continuously improve the management of the labor hygiene operation system and strengthen the self-protection level of the workers, and regularly carry out occupational hygiene inspection and health monitoring.
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@#Introduction Lead (Pb) is one of the pollutants that can cause adverse effects on human health. Exposure to Pb has received much attention in the past decades due to its nearly persistent properties in the environment. Blood Pb measurement is the most convenient as well as most feasible to indicate toxicity exceeded the standard limit of 10 μg/dL. This study aimed to assess the association between blood Pb and myocardial infarction. Methods This was a case-control study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This study enrolled about 109 respondents; 71 cases of myocardial infarction and 38 non-cases of myocardial infarction. Study instruments include questionnaires on demographic factors (age, gender, and ethnicity), socioeconomic factors (education, household income, occupation), and venous blood lead level. The blood Pb was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results The median (IQR) of blood Pb among the case group was higher compared to the control groups, 3.72 (0.04 – 96.09) μg/dL and 2.81 (0.73 – 6.23) μg/dL respectively. No difference between high (> 10 μg/dL) and normal (<10 μg/dL) blood Pb with CVD. However, there was a significant association between high normal blood Pb concentration (≥ 5.00 µg/dL) and myocardial infarction (χ2 = 4.397; p = 0.036). Conclusions There is a relationship between lower blood Pb level and the occurrence of myocardial infarction. No difference was found between the blood Pb limit of 10 μg/dL and CVD. The findings of this study are very important and provide new information regarding the lower cut off point for blood Pb and outcome of CVD especially myocardial infarction..
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Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la magnitud de intoxicación por plomo (Pb) (≥5μg/dL en sangre) en niños de 1 a 4 años e identificar la contribución del uso de loza de barro vidriado con Pb (LBVPb) como fuente de exposición en los 32 estados de México. Material y métodos: Muestra de Pb en sangre (PbS) capilar de niños participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-2019. Se estimó la prevalencia de intoxicación, su asociación con LBVPb y distribución nacional. Resultados: La prevalencia nacional de intoxicación fue 17.4%, lo cual representa 1.4 millones de niños. Esta prevalencia fue 30.7% entre usuarios de LBVPb y 11.8% entre no usuarios. En 17 estados la prevalencia de intoxicación es ≥10%; en 11 es ≥5-10% y en 4 es <5%. Conclusiones: Existe una distribución diferencial geográfica del problema; se confirma la asociación con LBVPb y se estima la contribución de otras fuentes de exposición. Esta información ofrece una guía para implementar acciones de prevención y control en México.
Abstract: Objective: To estimate de magnitude of Pb poisoning (≥5μg/dL blood) in 1-4 year old children and to identify the contribution of lead-glazed ceramics use (LGC) as a source of exposure in the 32 Mexican states. Materials and methods: Using the results from a sample of capillary blood lead (BPb) we estimated the prevalence of Pb poisoning, it's association with LGC and national distribution. Results: The national prevalence of Pb poisoning was 17.4% representing 1.4 million children. The prevalence was 30.7% among LGC users and 11.8% in non-users. In 17 states the prevalence of Pb poisoning was ≥10%, in 11 states between 5-10%, and in 4 states <5%. Conclusions: There is a geographic differential distribution of the problem; confirming the association with LGC and estimating the contribution of other Pb exposure sources. This information offers a guide to implement prevention and control actions in Mexico.
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Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Lead Poisoning , Public Policy , Ceramics , Environmental Exposure , Lead Poisoning/epidemiology , Mexico/epidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of long-term low-level lead load on the immune function of occupationally exposed workers. METHODS: The convenient sampling method was used to select 57 lead-exposed workers as the observation group.These workers had the blood lead level of ≥300 μg/L and <400 μg/L.They worked in a battery plant from 2009 to 2018. Another 61 none-lead exposed logistical personnel with blood lead level of <100 μg/L were selected as the control group. The blood lead levels and immune function indicators were detected in these 2 groups, including serum immunoglobulin(Ig)G, IgA, IgM, complement(C) 3, C4, C-reactive protein(CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) level, blood intermediate cell(MID) count and MID ratio(MID%).The abnormal rates of the above immune indexes were calculated. RESULTS: The median blood lead level in the observation group was 338 μg/L. The levels of IgA(M: 2.3 vs 1.9 g/L), C3 [(10.8 ± 1.7) vs(10.1±1.5) mg/L] and C4(M: 2.6 vs 2.3 mg/L) of observation group decrease(P<0.05), the abnormal rate of IgG increased(1.6% vs 14.0%, P<0.05), compared with the control group. The other immune indexes of these two groups were compared, and the differences showed no statistical significance(P>0.05). Blood lead level was negatively correlated with C3 level and positively correlated with TNF-α level(Spearman correlation coefficients were-0.20, 0.19, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Low level lead might have an impact on the immune system of lead-exposed workers.
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Objective@#To explore the blood lead level and its relationship with behavior in school-age children from rural areas of Chongqing.@*Methods@#A total of 697 students from grades 3 to 6 in the fall semester of 2014 from 14 rural townships in one district of Chongqing was selected by using the random cluster sampling method. Blood were sampled to analyze the lead level. Neurobehavioral tests were performed to determine their personal cognitive and memory ability. Questionnaires and physical examinations were administered to obtain the information of confounding factors. All students were divided into Q1-Q4 groups according to the quartile of their blood lead level. The relationship between the blood lead level and behavior was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model and restricted spline regression model.@*Results@#The mean age of 697 students was (10.07±1.36) years old, and the median (interquartile range) of their blood lead level was 44.31 (35.42) μg/L. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and maternal culture level, compared with Q1 group, the OR (95%CI) values of high digit symbol substitution test (DSST) scores and high overall memory quotient (MQ) scores in Q3 group were 1.65 (1.01-2.70) and 2.10 (1.21-3.62), and the OR (95%CI) value of high long term memory (LTM) scores in Q4 group was 0.53 (0.31-0.92). The results of the restricted spline regression model showed that the dose-response curves between the blood lead level and MQ/LTM test scores were both parabolic (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The blood lead level of school-age children from rural areas of Chongqing is the same as that from other areas of China, but slightly higher than that from other areas of Chongqing. Children with higher blood lead level have poor long-term memory ability.
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Abstract@#Introduction: Accumulation of heavy metals through seafood consumption constitutes a significant potential threat to human health. Biomonitoring of whole blood heavy metals level gave an insight into the internal body burden to the exposure of heavy metals. The aims of this study were to assess the blood heavy metals (arsenic and lead) level among the coastal community of Melaka and to determine their association with sociodemographic background and potential sources of heavy metals accumulation. Methods: Respondents were recruited through purposive sampling technique based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaires were distributed to obtain sociodemographic information, the frequency of seafood intake and smoking habit. Blood samples were obtained on a voluntary basis. A total of 63 respondents completed all the information required. The heavy metals concentration in blood was determined by inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The blood arsenic (BAs) concentration of respondents was 0.076 (0.059 – 0.107) µg/L and the blood lead (BPb) concentration of respondents was 1.204 (0.670 – 2.094) µg/L respectively. A significant association was observed between seafood-based product frequency intake and BPb concentration (p < 0.05). Other seafood frequency intake and background factors were not significantly associated with the BAs and BPb concentration of respondents. Conclusion: The findings showed that arsenic and lead levels in the blood of respondents along the coastal area of Melaka did not exceed the blood heavy metals reference levels and there was also lack of associations between blood heavy metals concentration and the potential factors of heavy metals accumulation studied.
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The impact of environmental pollution, especially chronic low exposures of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, etc.) on nutritional status and health of human and livestock, has become a cause of concern. It is established that malnutrition inhibits enzyme system, alters neurotransmitter levels, degenerate myelin, glial and neural elements, lowering of IQ scores as well as impairment of fine and gross motor coordination. Chronic low-level exposure to heavy metals also results in similar type of deformities at sub-clinical level. However, additive impact of undernutrition and adverse effects of heavy metal exposure is emerging as a serious threat to health in developing countries. High blood Pb/Cd levels and low nutrient levels cause subclinical damage of organ system such as haemopoietic, renal, nervous systems in neonates, children, post-partum women, and occupationally exposed population. This could be due to chronic low-level heavy metal exposures and vis-à-vis interaction between pollutants and nutrients. Our studies are focused on the utility of biomarkers for early subclinical detection of haemopoietic and rental toxicity. Lead exposure from non-conventional sources such as toys, pet/glass bottles, etc. suggest long-term investigation. The present review compiles result of studies conducted in this area highlighting the importance of pollution-nutrition interaction. This may facilitate policymakers on developing the strategies to counter the heavy metal exposure of humans/livestock and their consequences.
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Abstract Introduction The literature has reported the association between lead and auditory effects, based on clinical and experimental studies. However, there is no consensus regarding the effects of lead in the auditory system, or its correlation with the concentration of the metal in the blood. Objective To investigate the maturation state of the auditory system, specifically the auditory nerve and brainstem, in rats exposed to lead acetate and supplemented with ferrous sulfate. Methods 30 weanling male rats (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar) were distributed into six groups of five animals each and exposed to one of two concentrations of lead acetate (100 or 400 mg/L) and supplemented with ferrous sulfate (20 mg/kg). The maturation state of the auditory nerve and brainstem was analyzed using Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential before and after lead exposure. The concentration of lead in blood and brainstem was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results We verified that the concentration of Pb in blood and in brainstem presented a high correlation (r = 0.951; p < 0.0001). Both concentrations of lead acetate affected the maturation state of the auditory system, being the maturation slower in the regions corresponding to portion of the auditory nerve (wave I) and cochlear nuclei (wave II). The ferrous sulfate supplementation reduced significantly the concentration of lead in blood and brainstem for the group exposed to the lowest concentration of lead (100 mg/L), but not for the group exposed to the higher concentration (400 mg/L). Conclusion This study indicate that the lead acetate can have deleterious effects on the maturation of the auditory nerve and brainstem (cochlear nucleus region), as detected by the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials, and the ferrous sulphate can partially amend this effect.
Resumo Introdução A literatura relatou a associação entre o chumbo e os efeitos auditivos, com base em estudos clínicos e experimentais. No entanto, não há consenso em relação aos efeitos do chumbo no sistema auditivo, ou sua correlação com a concentração do metal no sangue. Objetivo Investigar o estado de maturação do sistema auditivo, especificamente do nervo auditivo e do tronco encefálico, em ratos expostos ao acetato de chumbo e suplementados com sulfato ferroso. Método 30 ratos machos desmamados (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar) foram distribuídos em seis grupos de cinco animais e expostos a uma de duas concentrações de acetato de chumbo (100 ou 400 mg/L) e suplementados com sulfato ferroso (20 mg/kg). O estado de maturação do nervo auditivo e do tronco encefálico foi analisado pelo Potencial Evocado Auditivo do Tronco Encefálico antes e após a exposição ao chumbo. A concentração de chumbo no sangue e tronco encefálico foi analisada utilizando-se Espectrometria de Massa com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado. Resultados Verificamos que as concentrações de Pb no sangue e no tronco encefálico apresentaram alta correlação (r = 0,951, p < 0,0001). Ambas as concentrações de acetato de chumbo afetaram o estado de maturação do sistema auditivo, a maturação foi mais lenta nas regiões correspondentes à porção do nervo auditivo (onda I) e dos núcleos cocleares (onda II). A suplementação com sulfato ferroso reduziu significativamente a concentração de chumbo no sangue e no tronco encefálico no grupo exposto à menor concentração de chumbo (100 mg/L), mas não para o grupo exposto à maior concentração (400 mg/L). Conclusão Esse estudo indica que o acetato de chumbo pode ter efeitos deletérios na maturação do nervo auditivo e do tronco encefálico (região do núcleo coclear), como detectado pelos potenciais evocados auditivos do tronco encefálico, e que o sulfato ferroso pode diminuir parcialmente esse efeito.
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Animals , Male , Rats , Organometallic Compounds/adverse effects , Brain Stem/drug effects , Ferrous Compounds/administration & dosage , Cochlear Nerve/drug effects , Lead/toxicity , Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem , Rats, Wistar , Models, Animal , Lead/bloodABSTRACT
Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption.We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women.Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too.In this article,we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women.The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012.A total of 1000 participants,including 250 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women,were enrolled in the study.Finally,after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples,973 eligible participants (i.e.,234,249,and 248 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters,respectively,and 242 non-pregnant women)were included in the research.The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers,with standardized coefficients of 0.086 (P＜0.05) and 0.104 (P＜0.01) of all the participants and the pregnant women,respectively.The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels (standardized β=0.091,P＜0.01) than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects.Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 (P＜0.01) and 0.179 (P＜0.01),respectively.Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 (P＜0.05) and 0.125 (P＜0.01),respectively.In conclusion,homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women.The MTHFR gene A 1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.
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Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption.We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women.Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too.In this article,we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women.The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012.A total of 1000 participants,including 250 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women,were enrolled in the study.Finally,after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples,973 eligible participants (i.e.,234,249,and 248 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters,respectively,and 242 non-pregnant women)were included in the research.The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers,with standardized coefficients of 0.086 (P＜0.05) and 0.104 (P＜0.01) of all the participants and the pregnant women,respectively.The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels (standardized β=0.091,P＜0.01) than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects.Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 (P＜0.01) and 0.179 (P＜0.01),respectively.Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 (P＜0.05) and 0.125 (P＜0.01),respectively.In conclusion,homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women.The MTHFR gene A 1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.
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OBJECTIVE: To comprehend the status of knowledge-attitude-practice( KAP) and its effect on blood lead in workers exposed to lead.METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-one first-line lead exposed workers in the smelting industry were chosen as study subjects by cluster sampling method.Blood lead levels in peripheral venous blood were detected.Questionnaire survey was conducted by self-compiled Questionnaire of Knowledge-attitude-practice on Occupational Health in Lead Workers.RESULTS: Among the study subjects,145 workers had abnormal blood lead level( ≥600 μg/L),the abnormal rate was 41.3%.The correct scoring rate in occupational knowledge,attitude,and practice were 25.1%,45.3% and 15.7%,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the four risk factors of high blood lead level were wearing no personal protective equipment,not bathing and changing clothes before returning home,not gargling and washing hands before meals,smoking and eating in workplace.CONCLUSION: Poor occupational behaviors can increase the risk of high blood lead level in lead exposed workers.
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Abstract Objective: To investigate blood lead levels in schoolchildren in two areas of Egypt to understand the current lead pollution exposure and its risk factors, aiming to improve prevention politicies. Subjects and method: This was a cross-sectional study in children (n = 400) aged 6-12 years recruited from two areas in Egypt (industrial and urban). Blood lead levels were measured using an atomic absorption method. Detailed questionnaires on sources of lead exposure and history of school performance and any behavioral changes were obtained. Results: The mean blood lead level in the urban area of Egypt (Dokki) was 5.45 ± 3.90 µg/dL, while that in the industrial area (Helwan) was 10.37 ± 7.94 µg/dL, with a statistically significant difference between both areas (p < 0.05). In Dokki, 20% of the studied group had blood lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL, versus 42% of those in Helwan. A significant association was found between children with abnormal behavior and those with pallor with blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL, when compared with those with blood lead level < 10 µg/dL (p < 0.05). Those living in Helwan area, those with bad health habits, and those living in housing with increased exposure were at a statistically significantly higher risk of having blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusion: Lead remains a public health problem in Egypt. High blood lead levels were significantly associated with bad health habits and housing with increased exposure, as well as abnormal behavior and pallor.
Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os níveis de chumbo no sangue (NCSs) em crianças em idade escolar em duas áreas do Egito para entender a atual exposição à poluição por chumbo e seus fatores de risco, para melhorar as políticas de prevenção. Indivíduos e método: Este foi um estudo transversal em crianças (400) entre 6-12 anos recrutadas de duas áreas no Egito (industrial e urbana). Os NCSs foram medidos por um método de absorção atômica. Foram obtidos questionários detalhados sobre as fontes de exposição ao chumbo e o histórico de desempenho escolar e quaisquer alterações comportamentais. Resultados: O NCS na área urbana do Egito (Dokki) foi de 5,45 ± 3,90 µg/dL, ao passo que na área industrial (Helwan) foi de 10,37 ± 7,94 µg/dL, com uma diferença significativa entre ambas as áreas (p < 0,05). Na área de Dokki, 20% do grupo estudado apresentaram NCSs ≥10 µg/dL, ao passo que na área de Helwan foi 42%. Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre as crianças com comportamento anormal e aquelas com palidez com NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL, em comparação com aquelas com NCS < 10 µg/dL (p < 0,05). Aquelas que moram na área de Helwan, aquelas com hábitos de saúde ruins e aquelas que moram em moradias com maior exposição estiveram significativamente em alto risco de apresentar NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusão: O chumbo ainda é um problema de saúde pública no Egito. Altos NCSs foram significativamente associados a hábitos de saúde ruins e moradia com maior exposição, bem como comportamento anormal e palidez.
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Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Lead/blood , Urban Population , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , Egypt/epidemiology , Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de intoxicación por plomo (IPb) al nacimiento en Morelos, analizar su distribución por nivel de marginación y estimar la asociación con el uso de barro vidriado (BV). Material y métodos: Se midió plomo en sangre (PbS) en cordón umbilical de una muestra representativa de 300 nacimientos seleccionados aleatoriamente de aquéllos atendidos por los Servicios de Salud de Morelos e IMSS estatal. Resultados: La prevalencia de IPb al nacimiento (PbS>5µg/dL) fue 14.7% (IC95%: 11.1, 19.3), y 22.2% (IC95%: 14.4, 32.5) en los municipios más marginados. 57.1% (IC95%: 51.3, 62.7) de las madres usaron BV durante el embarazo y la frecuencia de uso se asoció significativamente con PbS. Conclusión: Este es el primer estudio que documenta la proporción de recién nacidos con IPb que están en riesgo de sufrir los consecuentes efectos adversos. Se recomienda monitorear PbS al nacimiento y emprender acciones para reducir esta exposición, especialmente en poblaciones marginadas.
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of lead (Pb) poisoning at birth in Morelos, analyze its distribution by social marginalization level, and estimate the association with the use of lead glazed ceramics (LGC). Materials and methods: Blood lead level (BLL) in umbilical cord was measured in a representative sample of 300 randomly selected births at the Morelos Health Services and state IMSS. Results: The prevalence of Pb poisoning at birth (BLL> 5μg/dL) was 14.7% (95%CI: 11.1, 19.3) and 22.2% (95%CI: 14.4, 32.5) in the most socially marginalized municipalities. 57.1% (95%CI: 51.3, 62.7) of the mothers used LGC during pregnancy, and the frequency of use was significantly associated with BLL. Conclusion: This is the first study to document the proportion of newborns with Pb poisoning who are at risk of experiencing the related adverse effects. It is recommended to monitor BLL at birth and take action to reduce this exposure, especially in socially marginalized populations.
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Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Lead Poisoning/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Social Marginalization , Lead Poisoning/blood , Mexico/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective To learn the changes of blood lead levels and serum biochemical parameters of the school agechildren from different areas. Methods All research objects, the school age children, were from three different areasrespectively, including a mountainous area (L area), an island area (H area) where there is not history of Pb pollution,and an industry area (N area) in relation to Pb pollution. The morning urine and peripheral venous blood samples werecollected from the school age children. Pb in blood (PbB), δ-aminoaevulinic acid in urine (ALA), Ca2+, BUN, Cr inserum, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (FT4) levels were detected. ResultsPbB levels [M was 36.0 ppb] of the school age children from N area were significantly higher than that of L area [22.0 ppb] andH area [23.8 ppb]. On the contrary, serum Ca2+ levels of the school age children from N area were significantly lower than thatof L area and H area. Serum T4 of N area was significantly lower than that of L area and H area. Serum FT4 of H area wassignificantly higher than that of L area and N area. And TSH of N area and H area were both obviously lower than that of L area.But all of these thyroxin indexes were in the range of normal values. Conclusion It should be widely concerned that thesignificant elevation of PbB levels may have a negative impact on school age children in the future.
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The objective of this study was to verify a change in the longitudinal trend of blood lead levels for the Korean population, before and after the regulation of leaded gasoline— which occurred between 1987 and 1993 in Korea. A total of 77 reports on blood lead levels among general Korean population between 1981 and 2014 were selected, and the results were summarized to have the variables of year, number of subjects, the subjects’ range in age, gender, and blood lead concentrations (arithmetic mean). The annual average atmospheric lead levels for four major cities (i.e., Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju) were collected from the Air Pollution Monitoring Database from 1991, and pilot studies from 1985 to 1990 before the national air quality monitoring system was launched in 1991. Blood lead levels were visualized in a bubble plot in which the size of each bubble represented the sample size of each study, and the annual average concentrations in ambient air were depicted on line graphs. Blood lead levels in the Korean population tended to gradually increase from the early 1980s (approximately 15-20 μg/dL) until 1990-1992 (20-25 μg/dL). Blood lead levels then began to rapidly decrease until 2014 ( < 2 μg/dL). Similar patterns were observed for both adults (≥20 years) and younger children/adolescents. The same longitudinal trend was observed in annual average atmospheric lead concentration, which suggests a significant correlation between air lead concentration and blood lead concentration in the general population. In conclusion, the regulation of leaded gasoline has significantly contributed to the rapid change in blood lead concentrations. And, the regulation of other sources of lead exposure should be considered to further decrease blood lead levels in the Korean population.
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Adult , Humans , Air Pollution , Gasoline , Korea , Pilot Projects , Sample Size , SeoulABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of blood lead level on the occupational health examination index in workers with lead exposure. METHODS: Using judgment sampling method,412 workers exposed to lead from a lead acid battery factory were selected. According to the blood lead levels,the participants were divided into 5 groups( < 100. 0,100. 0-,200. 0-,300. 0- and 400. 0- μg / L). The effects of blood lead level on the health status of the workers such as clinical symptoms,electrocardiogram( ECG),routine urine and blood pressure,liver function and blood routine were analyzed.RESULTS: The median( the 25 th and 75 th percentiles) of the blood lead level was 169. 0( 76. 6,320. 4) μg / L in the 412 workers,and over standard rate was 12. 6%. Male workers 'blood lead level was higher than that of female workers[225. 8( 91. 3,351. 2) vs 131. 0( 64. 6,248. 9) μg/L,P < 0. 01]. In the female workers,the abnormal rate of ECG in the < 100. 0 μg / L group was lower than those of the 400- μg / L group( 6. 7% vs 41. 2%,P < 0. 005); the level of diastolic pressure in the < 100. 0 μg / L group was lower than that of the 300. 0- μg / L group [( 78. 4 ± 11. 7) vs( 72. 6 ±5. 6) mm Hg,P < 0. 01]. It was no correlation between blood lead level and urine β2-microglobulin( rS=- 0. 044,P =0. 82),while it was positive correlation between blood lead level and 24 hours urine lead content( rS= 0. 657,P < 0. 01).CONCLUSION: Lead exposed could cause the increase of cardiovascular abnormalities in female workers than that of male workers. Routine blood index,liver function index and routine urine index( urine protein) could not early reflect the blood,liver and kidney toxicity of lead.
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The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship of IQ in children with maternal blood mercury concentration during late pregnancy. The present study is a component of the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project in Korea that began in 2006. The study cohort consisted of 553 children whose mothers underwent testing for blood mercury during late pregnancy. The children were given the Korean language version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, revised edition (WPPSI-R) at 60 months of age. Multivariate linear regression analysis, with adjustment for covariates, was used to assess the relationship between verbal, performance, and total IQ in children and blood mercury concentration of mothers during late pregnancy. The results of multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that a doubling of blood mercury was associated with the decrease in verbal and total IQ by 2.482 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.749–4.214) and 2.402 (95% CI, 0.526–4.279), respectively, after adjustment. This inverse association remained after further adjustment for blood lead concentration. Fish intake is an effect modifier of child IQ. In conclusion, high maternal blood mercury level is associated with low verbal IQ in children.
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Child , Humans , Pregnancy , Cohort Studies , Environmental Health , Intelligence , Korea , Linear Models , Mothers , ParturitionABSTRACT
Objective To examine the blood lead levels and influencing factors among infants living in urban areas in Taiyuan.Methods A total of 216 healthy infants living in urban areas in Taiyuan who came to seek routine care during 2010 and 2012 were enrolled using questionnaire survey.Blood samples were collected and lead was meas-ured according to standard procedures.Results The total blood lead level was (31.54 ±22.24)μg/L,there was no significant difference between male and female.The infants whose blood level was less than 50 μg/L took the biggest proportion(80.56%),the infants whose blood level was among 50 -99μg/L and whose blood level more than 100μg/L were 19.44% and 0.00% respectively.Coal to cook,mother often catching hair,using prickly heat,sucking on the hand,washing hands before meals,living in storefront and playing time in roadside were associated with infantile blood lead level.Conclusion The key influencing factors the of the blood lead levels of infants are infantile living environ-ment and the keeper's awareness of preventing lead.
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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influencing factors of high blood lead levels in lead-exposed workers of a storage battery factory. METHODS: By the typical sampling method,lead-exposed workers were chosen as study subjects for a three-year retrospective cohort study starting from September of 2011 and ending in September of 2014. The starting blood lead level was < 400. 0 μg / L and ending blood lead level was ≥400. 0 μg / L( abnormal level). The influencing factors of abnormal blood lead level were analyzed by the COX regression analysis method. RESULTS: There were 244 lead-exposed workers included in this study. The median( M) working years of baseline lead exposure was 6. 3( 0. 7-35. 9) years,the M of baseline blood lead level was 321. 5( 215. 7-398. 7) μg / L by September of 2011. During the 3 years,there were 78 workers found to have abnormal blood lead levels,with an abnormality rate of 32. 0%. The multivariable COX regression analysis indicated that the workers with following situations had relative higher incidences of abnormal blood lead level:working without masks,baseline blood lead level over 300. 0 μg / L,the air concentration of lead in workplace beyond the standard and the workers exposed to lead for over 5. 0 years,their relative risk ratios were 6. 89,4. 00,9. 02 and 2. 93 times of those workers with the opposite situations,respectively( P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: Measures should be taken to prevent and control the occupational chronic lead poisoning especially in those lead-exposed workers who don't wear masks during work,whose baseline blood lead level was over 300. 0 μg / L,whose air concentrations of lead in workplace were beyond the standard and whose lead exposure year was over 5. 0 years.
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Objective To discuss the influencing factors of lead poisoning in children and adolescents in certain region of Yunnan and to provide evidence for effective prevention measures.Methods Venous blood samples of 1379 children and adolescents were collected and lead levels in the blood were tested by atomic absorption spectrometer.Children and adolescents with lead level higher than 100 μg/L were diagnosed with lead poisoning.Results The lead level ranged from 1 μg/L to 450 μg/L,with the average level of 82.87 ± 66.97 μg/L,and 341 children and adolescents were diagnosed with lead poisoning,with the poisoning rate of 24.7％.The differences of lead poisoning rates by gender,age,and place of residence were significant (P＜0.05).Gender,age,and distance between place of residence and mining area were the main influencing factors of the lead poisoning rate.Conclusion The blood lead poisoning rate of children and adolescent are high in this region.Boys,children in preschool age and children living closer to the mining area are susceptible to blood lead poisoning.