Toxicology of Industrial Metals — Inorganic Lead

1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Medical Surveillance ◽  
Inorganic Lead ◽  
Industrial Setting ◽  
Biologic Monitoring ◽  
Lower Blood ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Lead Encephalopathy ◽  
Exposure Evaluation

Inorganic lead has widespread use in industry and has resulted in measurable community pollution, due predominantly to the use of leaded fuels. The classical toxic effects of lead, encephalopathy, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and colic are now rare in the industrial setting. However, recent studies have indicated enzymatic depression, teratogenicity, and behavioral changes at lead exposure levels previously thought safe. Diagnosis of lead toxicity is aided by exposure evaluation through blood lead determinations; toxicity effects even at relatively low levels can be evaluated by measurement of hemoglobin synthesis intermediates. Although mild or asymptomatic cases may not require treatment beyond removal from exposure, more severe cases may require chelation therapy. Biologic monitoring and medical surveillance protocols have been established by OSHA. A blood lead action level of 30 μgm/100 ml is recommended to protect from the enzyme and reproductive effects found at lower blood lead levels.

Screening to Prevent Lead Poisoning

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-628
Author(s):  
Richard W. Moriarty
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Chelating Agents ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Lead Encephalopathy

The absence of fully effective treatment for lead encephalopathy, and the suggestive evidence that lead poisoning may cause brain damage even in the absence of overt encephalopathy, have led to massive efforts to prevent such damage. These preventive efforts have been directed toward screening to identify children who have absorbed an undue amount of lead from their environment, reducing their further exposure to lead, and removing already absorbed lead from those most in danger of developing ill effects. This approach has been codified in the Surgeon General's Report of 19701 which makes the following recommendations: 1. All young children who live in or visit old dilapidated buildings should have periodic blood lead determinations. 2. Any child with repeated blood lead levels over 40µg/100 ml whole blood should be considered to be at risk of lead poisoning, h ave current sources of exposure to lead investigated and corrected, and be followed closely to ensure that he does not develop higher blood lead levels or clinical symptoms. 3. All children with blood lead levels between 50 and 79µg/100 ml should have diagnostic tests for metabolic and clinical evidence of lead poisoning and be treated immediately if such evidence is present. 4. All children with blood lead levels over 80µg/100 ml should be hospitalized immediately and treated with chelating agents. Many aspects of this approach are subjects of current controversey, and the last word will not be written until much better knowledge of the natural history and ecology of lead poisoning is available.

scholarly journals Blood Lead Levels in Children Living Near an Informal Lead Battery Recycling Workshop in Patna, Bihar

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (25) ◽  
pp. 200308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal Akhtar Ansari ◽  
Abbas Ali Mahdi ◽  
Promila Sharma Malik ◽  
Tabrez Jafar
Keyword(s):  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Lead Battery ◽  
Informal Recycling ◽  
Battery Recycling ◽  
Financial Interests ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Calcium Iron

Background. Lead can cause significant biological and neurologic damage, even at small concentrations, and young children are at higher risk. Informal recycling of lead batteries and lead-based workshops/industries have increased the burden of lead toxicity in developing countries, including India. Many informal recycling lead battery workshops have been established by the local people of Patna, Bihar as self-employment opportunities. However, most of the residents are not aware of the risk factors associated with lead poisoning. Objectives. The present pilot study aimed to assess blood lead levels (BLLs) and hemoglobin levels among children aged between 3 to 12 years in the settlement of Karmalichak near Patna, India. Materials and Methods. Children residing near the informal lead battery manufacturing unit were selected for BLL assessment. A total of 41 children were enrolled in the questionnairebased survey. Results. All the children in the present study had detectable lead concentrations in their blood. Only 9% of the studied children had a BLL ≤5 μg/dl, while 91% children had a BLL above >5 μg/dl. Conclusions. The present study carried out in children of Karmalichak region of Patna, India was an attempt to better understand the problem of lead toxicity, describe the epidemiology of its adverse effects, identify sources and routes of exposure, illustrate the clinical effects and develop strategies of prevention so that remedial measures may be taken by government agencies and regulatory bodies. In view of the high lead levels in children in the study area, attempts are being made to develop strategies for future prevention by relocating the informal battery recycling workshops from the area. Moreover, parents have been advised to increase nutritional supplementation of children by providing calcium-, iron- and zinc-rich foods, including milk and vegetables. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethical Approval. The study was approved by the ethical committee of Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow (India). Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

scholarly journals Occupational lead toxicity in Craft Potters

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Nadia Chaouali ◽  
◽  
Anouar Nouioui ◽  
Manel Aouard ◽  
Dorra Amira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lead Level ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Folk Art ◽  
World Health ◽  
Ceramic Ware ◽  
Family Tradition ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Income Data ◽  
Health Organization

Lead intoxication risks were studied in a community of ceramic folk art workers in Nabeul (Tunisia),where the manufacture of low temperature lead ceramic ware is a family tradition and often the only source of income. Data onlifestyle, working conditions and clinical disorders were collected from workers.31 potters working in five different workshopswere included in this study. Blood lead levels wereanalyzed by graphite furnaceatomic absorption spectrometry.Blood lead levels ranged from 40 to 540 μg/L, with a mean of 220.3 μg/L. 42 percent of potters had a blood lead level over 200 μg/L and 13 % over 400 μg/L,which is over the World Health Organization guidelinesfor removingworkersfrom exposure,as this is the concentration over which renal damage is accelerated.In the community of ceramic folk art workers living in north-eastern Tunisia, blood lead concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05).Our findings showedthat the use of lead-oxide glaze can increase the risk ofleadtoxicity and reiterate the needfor strict guidelines regarding the useof lead in pottery and replacing it by lead free paints.

Preventive effect of phytic acid against lead toxicity in growing rats: biochemical assays and measuring of blood and brain lead levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Amira Chikhi ◽  
Khaled Kahloula ◽  
Djallal Eddine Houari Adli ◽  
Amel Sidi Ikhelef ◽  
Miloud Slimani
Keyword(s):  
Phytic Acid ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Growing Rats ◽  
Biochemical Assays ◽  
Treat Ment ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Iron And Calcium

Phytic acid (Inositol hexaphosphate; IP6) is a natural plant antioxidant, it is found in most grain and legumes. Although much attention has been focused on the preventive effect during critical periods of development in lead poi-soned rats. Phytic acid (1%) was administered to Wistar rats during the ges-tation period and then exposed them to lead acetate (0.2%) during the lacta-tion period. We observed a decrease in body weight in the lead intoxicated group. Phytic acid treatment reduces blood lead levels and brain lead (P<0.001) compared to untreated poisoned rats. The group exposed to lead and not treated with IP6 showed an increase in liver enzyme activity (ALAT, ASAT and PAL) and electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Cl¯). While the values of fere-mia and calcium levels decreased compared to those of control rats, batches treated with IP6 showed a significant increase in serum iron and calcium levels, whereas the value of serum Mg+2 was unchanged compared to that of the intoxicated batch. Similarly, the values of urea, creatinine and uric acid rise significantly in poisoned animals that receive only lead. Preventive treat-ment with IP6 showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglyc-erides (P<0.001) compared to the intoxicated lot. IP6 provides a protection against lead-induced disturbances.

scholarly journals Lead Toxicity in a Family as a Result of Occupational Exposure

2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aryapu Raviraja ◽  
Gaja Babu ◽  
Anita Bijoor ◽  
Geraldine Menezes ◽  
Thuppil Venkatesh
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Liver Function ◽  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Zinc Protoporphyrin ◽  
Function Tests ◽  
The Family ◽  
Lead Levels

Lead Toxicity in a Family as a Result of Occupational ExposureThis article describes an entire family manufacturing lead acid batteries who all suffered from lead poisoning. The family of five lived in a house, part of which had been used for various stages of battery production for 14 years. Open space was used for drying batteries. They all drank water from a well located on the premises. Evaluation of biomarkers of lead exposure and/or effect revealed alarming blood lead levels [(3.92±0.94) μmol L-1], 50 % reduction in the activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [(24.67±5.12) U L-1] and an increase in zinc protoporphyrin [(1228±480) μg L-1]. Liver function tests showed an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase [(170.41±41.82) U L-1]. All other liver function test parameters were normal. Renal function tests showed an increase in serum uric acid [(515.81±86.29) μmol L-1] while urea and creatinine were normal. Serum calcium was low [(1.90±0.42) mmol L-1in women and (2.09±0.12) mmol L-1in men], while blood pressure was high in the head of the family and his wife and normal in children. Lead concentration in well water was estimated to 180 μg L-1. The family was referred to the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, were they were received treatment and were informed about the hazards of lead poisoning. A follow up three months later showed a slight decrease in blood lead levels and a significant increase in haemoglobin. These findings can be attributed to behavioural changes adopted by the family, even though they continued producing lead batteries.

scholarly journals Lead toxicity in a new-born due to in utero exposure

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Leanna Laor ◽  
Sharlene Sy ◽  
Ruchi Gupta ◽  
Joseph Torres ◽  
Lourdes Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Lead Level ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
In Utero ◽  
In Utero Exposure ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Lead Levels

Lead poisoning in a neonate is poorly defined, and limited data exists on appropriate follow-up and treatment of such infants. We are presenting the case of a newborn infant, who had a lead level of 63 mcg/dL. Treatment involved five days of intravenous chelation therapy. At discharge, no clinical sequelae of lead toxicity were found. However, due to the chronic nature of in utero exposure the infant requires close follow-up, in particular neurologic and developmental sequelae. Lead toxicity has many complications. Long-term complications include delays in growth and development. Furthermore, these complications may develop in children with minimal toxicity, let alone those with grossly abnormal values. Due to lack of data, perhaps it is worthwhile to screen those women of child-bearing age, who are of "high risk", for elevated blood lead levels to reduce the risk of in utero exposure.

scholarly journals Accuracy of lead risk assessment questionnaire in predicting elevated blood lead levels in children

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 972
Author(s):  
Kanimozhi Sadasivam ◽  
Balaji Chinnasami ◽  
Apurva Hariharan ◽  
Balaji Ramraj ◽  
Rahul Saravanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Background: Lead toxicity in children is a serious problem affecting their neurodevelopment. Although CDC mandates screening for lead toxicity regularly in children, India doesn’t have any lead related public health program in place. In resource limited India a prescreening lead risk assessment questionnaire will be more economical than universal screening for blood lead levels (BLL). Authors aim to evaluate the accuracy of a validated modified CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire in predicting elevated BLL.Methods: Authors conducted an explorative cross-sectional study from July to August 2017 in 340 children aged 6 months to 6 years. A standardized self-administered questionnaire modified from CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire was administered in the children. Also, BLL were measured in all study subjects using lead care II analyser. Data from questionnaire were compared with BLL to test the accuracy of questionnaire.Results: Blood lead levels was high (>5ug/dl) in 57.9% of study subjects especially in children between 24-35 months. Employment in battery manufacturing companies (P=0.0001), usage of cosmetics (P=0.019), parental smoking history (P=0.001), involvement in painting, arts (P=0.0001) and malnourished children (P=0.018) were the risk factors associated with undesirable BLL. The modified questionnaire had a sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 66.7% for detecting elevated BLL.Conclusions: The modified CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire is a sensitive tool in identifying high risk cases of lead toxicity in children.

Effects of Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead on Neuromuscular Functioning

1974 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
John D. Repko ◽  
John A. Nicholson ◽  
Ben B. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
The Body ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Inorganic Lead ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Experimental Subjects ◽  
Hand Coordination ◽  
Neuromuscular Functioning

In an investigation of the behavioral effects of Occupational Exposure to lead, nineteen measures of neuromuscular performance and five measures of the body burden of lead were obtained from 316 experimental and 112 control subjects. The experimental subjects were volunteers from among workers exposed to inorganic lead at their jobs in three storage (lead-acid) battery manufacturing companies; the controls were volunteers from companies involved in other various types of light manufacturing. The relationships among the measures of neuromuscular functioning and body burden of lead were determined through the use of correlation and multiple-regression analyses. The results of these analyses suggest that functional capacity decreased in terms of tremor and eye-hand coordination but increased in terms of muscular strength. In addition, the data suggest that these changes occur on the preferred side and at blood-lead levels between 70 and 79 micrograms per cent.

scholarly journals Blood Lead Levels and Risk Factors for Lead Toxicity in Children from Schools and an Urban Slum in Delhi

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena Kalra ◽  
K. T. Chitralekha ◽  
Tarun Dua ◽  
R. M. Pandey ◽  
Yogesh Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Urban Slum ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Lead Levels

A Ceramic Glazer Presenting with Extremely High Lead Levels

1988 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.S. Ooi ◽  
S.L. Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Lead Level ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Oral Route ◽  
Interesting Pattern ◽  
Elevated Liver Enzymes ◽  
Normocytic Anaemia ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
High Level ◽  
High Lead

A case of lead poisoning in a ceramic glazer is reported. The patient had an extremely high level of blood lead at 29.5 μmol/l, and many of the laboratory features of lead toxicity: normocytic anaemia with marked basophilic stippling, abnormal blood and urinary porphyrins, and elevated liver enzymes. Surprisingly, the patient had no electromyographic evidence of neurologic involvement. The patient was treated with intravenous EDTA-calcium followed by oral penicillamine. Urinary porphyrin and porphyrin precursor excretion followed an interesting pattern, correlating with the chelator used. This patient illustrates that extremely high blood lead level can be achieved through the oral route in an adult.

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