Effects of Environmental Lead Pollution on Blood Lead and Sex Hormone Levels among Occupationally Exposed Group in An E-waste Dismantling Area

Objective To study the effects of environmental multi-media lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among lead exposed males engaged in E-waste dismantling, and the correlation between confounding factors and sex hormone levels. Methods An E-waste dismantling area in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province was selected as the research site. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from the groundwater, soil, rice, corn, chicken, and pork in the dismantling area. The effects of the multi-media lead pollution on the male blood lead and sex hormone levels of FSH, LH, and T, as well as the correlation with confounding factors, were studied. Results The blood lead concentrations in the males aged under 31, from 31 to 45 and from 46 to 60 were 98.55, 100.23, and 101.45 I~/L, respectively. Of all the environmental media lead exposures, the groundwater, rice and soil were main contributing factors to the lead accumulation in humans. FSH and LH levels increased with the age while the T levels decreased with the age instead. There was a significant correlation between the FSH and LH levels and wearing masks. Conclusion There was correlation between the FSH, LH, and T levels, and the mean values of lead concentrations in environmental media, and the sex hormone levels were correlated with the confounding factor of wearing masks.

Umbilical Cord Blood Lead Levels in Shanghai, China

This study was designed to determine the cord blood lead (BPb) levels of babies born in one urban area of Shanghai, and to preliminarily identify the demographic, social environment and prenatal factors which have an effect on the cord BPb concentrations. From August to November 1993, umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from 605 live newborns in the Yangpu Maternal and Child Hospital. 257 samples were excluded from measurement because of clotting. In 348 cord samples, the geometric mean of cord BPb levels was 9. 2μg/dl, with a 95 % confidence interval of the mean 8. 86-9. 54 (μg/dl). 142 babies (40. 8 % ) had cord BPb levels of 10μg/dl or greater. As a result of this high percentage of newborns with BPb levels equal to or greater than 10 μg/dl, we estimate that each year in the Shanghal City about 60,000 newborns are at risk for developing neuropsychological deficiencies caused by maternal lead exposure during pregnancy. To investigate the factors affecting cord blood levels, the subjects with levels greater than the 70th percentile (10. 7μg/dl) (n = 104) and less than the 3oth percentile (7. 4μg/dl) (n = 104) were selected to compare the demographic, environ ment and prenatal medical history. Increased BPb levels at birth were associated with maternal passive smoking, a family member being occupationally exposed to lead, proximity to major traffic way, household coal combustion, neighborhood coal combustion, low level of meternal occupations, and the increasing occurrence of having the high lead foodstuff pidan (preserved duck egg) during pregnancy. We conclude that prenatal lead exposure has become an impor tant health issue for young children in Shanghai

A Systematic Assessment of Blood Lead Level in Children and Associated Risk Factors in China

In this study, we searched multiple databases for all relevant original articles (1996-2013). To investigate blood lead levels (BLL) and possible risk factors for lead exposure among children in China A total of 388 articles met our inclusion criteria. The overall geometric mean (GM) BLL was 71 μg/L, and the prevalence of elevated BLL (EBLL, defined as BLL ≥100 μg/L) was 18.48% among children. The prevalence of EBLL remained significantly higher among boys. In children less than 6 years of age, there were significantly increasing trends in both BLL and prevalence of EBLL in an age-dependent manner. The ban on leaded gasoline significantly reduced the BLL as well as EBLL prevalence; however, children whose parents had lower educational levels or were exposed to lead in the workplace had a higher EBLL prevalence. Despite its decline over time, the average BLL among children in China remains higher than the average level most recently reported in the United States. Childhood lead poisoning remains a public health problem in China.

Blood Lead Dynamics of Lead-Exposed Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Fetus Development

The dynamics of blood lead (Pb-B) and blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP-B) of women in early pregnancy and parturient women with lead exposure and the effects on fetus development were investigated. Pb-B of lead-exposed women was high: 0.984 μmol/L (20.38 μg/dl) and ZPP was 84.52μg/dl. Cord blood Pb-B was 0.896 μmol/L(18.56μg/dl)and cord blood ZPP was 69.24μg/dl. In the control group, Pb-B was 0.261μmol/L(5.41μg/dl), ZPP-B, 37.59 μg/dl, cord blood, Pb-B 0.34 μmol/L (7.93 μg/dl), and cord ZPP-B 49.0μg/dl. There was a significant correlation between blood lead and blood ZPP, maternal Pb-B and cord Pb-B, maternal Pb-B and cord ZPP-B. The significance of the consistency of high level Pb-B and the effects on fetus development is discussed.

Association between Polymorphisms of MALAT1 and Blood Lead Levels in Lead-exposed Workers

Lead,a heavy metal,which is nonessential but may be harmful to the human body,has been widely used to manufacture many products for use in the modern world.Lead-acid batteries have the advantages of low price,high safety,and advanced technology.

The Blood Lead, Blood Pressure Connection: An Evaluation of Apparently Healthy Lead Exposed Workers in Nigeria

Objective: There is a paucity of evidence on the lead exposure and blood pressure association in Nigeria where lead exposure is still prevalent and poorly regulated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between lead exposure using blood lead level and blood pressure in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Methodology: A prospective cross sectional comparative study of adult subjects with occupational lead exposure and controls, performed in Port Harcourt, South-south Nigeria. Blood lead measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used as the biomarker of lead exposure while systolic and diastolic blood pressures and other relevant variables were measured and analysed. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in lead exposed subjects 118.49 (14.67) mmHg compared to controls 113.62 (11.31) mmHg (p = 0.008). No difference was observed in the mean diastolic blood pressure. A higher proportion of subjects had systolic and diastolic pressure > 140 mmHg and >90 mmHg compared to controls 9.47% vs. 1.25% and 10.51% vs. 2.54%, with (p = 0.016), OR = 8.27 , RR = 1.38 and (p = 0.028), OR = 4.59 , RR = 1.33 respectively. There was no significant statistical correlation between blood lead and blood pressure. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a significant systolic blood pressure elevation and prevalence of hypertension among lead exposed workers in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Lager longitudinal research is needed to evaluate lead exposure and elevated blood pressure association in Nigeria. The findings call for better regulation of occupational lead exposure in Nigeria.

Blood Lead Levels During Pregnancy and Its Influencing Factors in Nanjing,China

Objective To investigate the blood lead levels (BLLs) in the duration of pregnancy and 6-12 weeks after delivery,and analyze the influencing factors of BLLs in healthy pregnant women.Methods Pregnant women were recruited from September 2009 to February 2010 at the prenatal clinic in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital.Altogether 174 healthy pregnant women without pregnant or obstetric complications or abnormal pregnancy outcomes were enrolled as the gravida group,and 120 healthy non-pregnant women as the control group.BLLs during pregnancy were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.Results BLLs in all the three pregnancy trimesters and postpartum were 59.8±24.3,55.4±20.1,55.9±19.7,and 67.6±17.4 μg/L,respectively,and the mean BLL in control group was 67.5±21.3 μg/L.BLLs during all the three trimesters were lower in the gravida group than in the control group (P=0.043,0.021,and 0.028).Furthermore,occupations,nutrients supplementation,and time of house/apartment painted were associated with BLLs in pregnant women.Lead-related occupations,cosmetics use,and living in a house painted less than 1 year before are risk factors of high BLLs among pregnant women,while calcium,iron,zinc,and milk supplements are protective factors.Conclusion Supplementing calcium,iron,zinc,and milk,or avoiding contact with risk factors may help people,especially pregnant women,to reduce lead exposure.

广西正常人PbB、PbU、ZPP、FEP、ALA正常上限值的研究

报告了在广西居住３年以上的正常成人血铅（ＰｂＢ）、尿铅（ＰｂＵ）、锌卟啉（ＺＰＰ）、游离原卟啉（ＦＥＰ）、尿氨基酮戊酸（δ－ＡＬＡ）正常上限值的研究结果，并参考各地提出的正常上限值，建议广西地区的正常上限值为ＰｂＢ：０．８０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ，ＰｂＵ（双硫腙法）：０．２５μｍｏｌ／Ｌ，ＰｂＵ（原子吸收法）：０．１０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ，ＺＰＰ：０．８０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ，ＦＥＰ：１．００μｍｏｌ／Ｌ，δ－ＡＬＡ：２６．００μｍｏｌ／Ｌ。

Top-down控制图法评定石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定血中铅含量的不确定度

采用Top-down控制图法评定石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定血中铅含量的不确定度。依据GBZ/T 316.1—2018《血中铅的测定第1部分:石墨炉原子吸收光谱法》,不同人员每周测定铅质量浓度为(104±15)μg/L的冻干牛血质控样品1次,连续测定35次。对检测的35组数据进行离群值、正态性、独立性验证,并用Top-down控制图法评定铅含量的不确定度。血中铅质量浓度质控测试结果为(105.97±12.04)μg/L(95%包含概率)。Top-down控制图法评定血中铅含量的不确定度,简单、易操作,可以作为血铅含量检测的质量控制手段,对实验室检测结果进行趋势性分析,发现潜在的影响检测结果的因素,规避实验室风险。

刍议慢性心力衰竭的气血津液辨治

气血津液皆中焦脾胃所化生,功能上互生互济,故而气虚、气滞、血虚、血瘀、水饮等气血津液的病理过程也常相继发生。“血不利则为水”阐明了气分、血分、水分的病理因果关系,可用以解释慢性心力衰竭(慢性心衰)的病变过程,认为慢性心衰常见病因皆可导致气的化生及气的功能障碍,进而引起“血不利”,所化之水饮停聚肌肤、脏腑组织间隙导致“水不利”,水饮、瘀血互结日久化热酿毒,则蚀脉伤肌,变证丛生。治疗应补气兼顾理气,活血利水不忘养血,恰当配伍清热解毒药,希冀在减少慢性心衰心血管事件方面获得较好的疗效。

Lead poisoning due to geophagia: The consumption of miniature pottery

Geophagia (the pica of pottery, clay, earth, or dirt) is practiced before and during pregnancy in several countries, including Mexico, Turkey, Australia, and some African countries, and has been linked with cultural fertility beliefs and the satisfaction of cravings. Unfortunately, consumption of contaminated pottery can represent a source of lead exposure. Concerns regarding ingested pottery are two-fold;first, that people consuming these pots might be exposed to high concentrations of lead, and, second, that ingestion of these pots by pregnant women could result in elevated in utero lead exposure for the fetus. Very few published articles exist on this topic. In an effort to investigate “pot eating”, this study aims to summarize published case studies on lead poisonings resulting from consumption of contaminated pottery. Additionally, several pottery items that are sold for the purpose of consumption were located and analyzed. This paper investigates the risk that “pot eating” poses by reviewing the literature, examining case studies, and analyzing the availability and lead concentration of edible pottery. Preliminary research indicates that although it is not common, “pot eating” can represent a high-risk lead exposure for pregnant women and their fetuses.

Evaluation of Lead Exposure by Hand Wipes: A Review of the Effectiveness of Personal Hygiene on Industrial Sites

To evaluate the effectiveness of personal hygiene (handwashing) amongst workers at industrial sites to remove lead from their hands, a retrospective analysis of hand wipe samples was conducted using data collected by two contractors from two bridge painting projects for total lead using method ASTM E-1979-17/EPA SW846 7000B. Exposures resulted from the removal of lead-based paint from the structure and trace elements of lead found in the abrasive blast media. In total, six work tasks were evaluated and sixty unique hand wipe samples were evaluated. Thirty samples were collected during the worker’s lunch break, after they had reportedly washed their hands with a further 30 collected at the end of the workday following the same protocol. To be included in this evaluation, the contractors were required to follow NIOSH Method 9105 (Lead in Dust Wipes-Dermal Surfaces) with subsequent analysis of samples for total lead by an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited laboratory. All 60 samples contained detectable lead. The lead exposures ranged from 19.5 μg to 3420 μg. The geometric mean for the samples collected was 337 μg. These results indicate that current personal hygiene practices at the evaluated sites are not effective at removing lead from worker’s hands during and after the workday. They also suggest that the residual lead measured on the workers’ hands, at the end of the shift, is likely contributing to the elevated blood lead levels in this population.

Environmental Exposure to Lead as a Risk for Prostate Cancer

Objective To evaluate the possible role of environmental exposure to lead as a risk factor for prostate pathology in patients suffering from prostate cancer (PCA) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Methods Blood lead (BPb) level was determined in PCA and BPH cases using a graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and compared with those in a control group living in the similar socioeconomic environment. Results BPb was significantly higher in PCA and BPH cases than in normals (P<0.05). Blood levels of zinc and copper were significantly lower in PCA and BPH cases when compared with controls (P<0.05). In all the three groups, a statistically significant positive correlation between lead and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TEARS) measured as malondialdehyde, and negative correlation between blood lead and antioxidant GSH level, indicative of possible generation of reactive oxygen species, were also observed after adjusting for age as a possible confounders. However, positive association between blood lead and TEARS was relatively higher in PCA patients (r=0.77, P<0.05) than in BPH (r=0.32, P<0.05) and normal (r=0.30, P<0.05). Conclusion These results with limited power seem to suggest for the first time that environmental exposure of aging males to lead may be a risk factor for prostate cancer and/or benign prostate hyperplasia possibly through generation of reactive oxygen species and/or reducing the level of zinc which acts as a cellular growth protector.

An association between maternal lead and cadmium levels and birth weight of the babies in North Indian population

Lead is listed as the 2nd and Cadmium as the 7th hazardous substance by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Exposure to Lead and Cadmium above the permissible levels among pregnants may cause adverse effects on newborns in the form of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Labor, etc. The objectives of this study were to find out the level of Lead and Cadmium in maternal venous blood and cord blood and to find out the association of the levels of these metals with birth weight of babies. For this, the venous blood and cord blood were collected and quantitative estimation of Lead and Cadmium was carried out by Double Beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in 1000 women with average Body Mass Index. Results showed higher mean maternal blood Lead level (11.08 μg/dl with range of 2.6 - 21.3) than the normal recommended by Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (10 μg/dl). On the contrary, the mean Cadmium level was 0.095 μg/dl, which was below the normal value as assigned by WHO (0.1 μg/dl). In high Lead exposure group (>10 μg/dl), 43.7% of babies and in high Cadmium exposure group (>0.1 μg/dl), 46.2% of babies were found to have low birth weight. However, this was not statistically significant. Further research in this area in a larger sample size may provide information relevant enough to be transferred to decision makers to implement measures to effectively reduce heavy metals from the environment, thereby protecting future generations from their deleterious effects.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Hygenall^©Leadoff^TMFoaming Soap in Reducing Lead on Workers’ Hands and the Uptake of Lead on Bridge Painting Projects

Although considerable research has been conducted regarding airborne lead exposures during lead paint removal, little data has been collected measuring the lead concentration on workers’ hands in the construction industry. As a result, there are gaps in our understanding of the effectiveness of a standard work practice control (handwashing) in the prevention and control of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in the workplace. The primary objective of this study was to assess if a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) formulation intended to remove lead from skin (Hygenall© LeadoffTM Foaming Soap) is more effective than a commonly used soap in the industrial painting industry (Zep Cherry Bomb Soap) in reducing the concentration of lead on workers’ hands after exposure. A secondary aim was to assess if using LeadoffTM Foaming Soap during handwashing reduces worker uptake of lead on bridge painting projects. We evaluated hand wipe, air sample and blood lead level data collected by two industrial bridge painting contractors. Airborne exposures ranged from 350 μg/m3 to 19,700 μg/m3. The geometric mean lead concentration remaining on workers’ hands after using Zep Cherry Bomb Soap was 77 μg per hand wipe compared with 61 μg per hand wipe after use of LeadoffTM Foaming Soap for all work classifications. The geometric lead concentration on workers’ hands decreased by 16 μg/hand wipe for all work classifications combined after using LeadoffTM Foaming Soap—a decrease of 21%. The use of Hygenall LeadoffTM Foaming Soap reduced the maximum lead concentration on workers’ hands by 85%. The geometric mean BLL for all work classifications was 12.1 μg/dl before the use of LeadoffTM. After two months of airborne exposure and use of LeadoffTM Foaming Soap at breaks and at the end of the workday, the geometric mean BLL for all work classifications increased to 18.1 μg/dl. Worker BLLs increased despite the reduction in the concentration of lead measured on workers’ hands—most likely a result of ineffective inhalation exposure controls. We found that the LeadoffTM Foaming Soap was more effective in removing lead from workers’ hands than Zep Cherry Bomb.