scholarly journals Effectiveness of hair lead concentration as biological indicator of environmental and professional exposure s

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-14
Keyword(s):  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Urine Analysis ◽  
Lead Concentration ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Professional Exposure ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Exposed Workers

Introduction: Biological monitoring is highly recommended to assess occupational and environmental exposures to toxic chemicals. In this context, blood and urine are conventional matrices for lead poisoning biotoxicological assessment. Blood and urine analysis are more contributive for recent lead exposure. Chronic lead exposure may have different characteristics. long-term exposure could be responsible of insidious poisoning which cannot always be assessed by these usual matrices. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that human hair can be used as an alternative matrix to detect chronic toxic exposure among occupationally and non-occupationally leadexposed subjects. Material and Method: This case-control study analyzed blood, urine and hair sampled from 40 exposed workers versus a control group of 30. Particulate matters of lead are collected from different workplace ambient air. Analysis is realized using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Correlations are studied between the different matrices in both groups and between seniority and lead concentrations in biological samples. Results This study concerned 70 male subjects: forty battery manufacturing factory workers and thirty controls (non-exposed to lead in their workplaces). The results showed a significant correlation between lead levels in the three matrices and the intensity of exposure among both groups (Pb hair-blood P=0.017;Pb hair-urine<0.000). Hair lead concentrations study among cases in function of occupational seniority confirmed the stability of this matrix (Pb>3000 µg/g of hair at 20 years). The study of hair lead concentration according to workplace showed a significantly higher exposure for the station of assemblers. Conclusion Hair is an efficient biological sample to assess lead poisoning especially for chronic exposure. Hair is easy to collect, to handle and gives reproducible results that may be useful in monitoring of exposed workers. Key words Lead poisoning, monitoring, exposure, hair samples.

Screening for Lead Poisoning in an Urban Pediatric Clinic Using Samples Obtained by Fingerstick

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-179
Author(s):  
David J. Schonfeld ◽  
Mark R. Cullen ◽  
Petrie M. Rainey ◽  
Anne T. Berg ◽  
David R. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Lead Concentration ◽  
Capillary Tube ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Zinc Protoporphyrin ◽  
Pediatric Clinic ◽  
Positive Rate

Objective. To assess the false positive rate of blood (BPb) determinations on sample obtained by fingerstick from children screened in an urban clinic. Method. From a single fingerstick (N = 1573), blood was collected in a capillary tube for determining lead concentration (CPb) by graphite furnace and an additional sample was absorbed onto a filter paper for determining lead concentration (FPb) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with Delves cup. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) was measured immediately and a confirmatory venous lead (VPb) specimen was obtained at the same visit if the ZPP was ≥35 µg/dL (0.6 µmol/L); children with either a CPb or FPb ≥15 µg/dL (0.7 µmol/L) were later recalled for determining VPb. Results. For the 172 children who had a VPb on the same day as the screening tests, the false positive rates (95% confidence intervals) at a lead threshold of 15 µg/dL (0.7 µmol/L) were: CPb, 13.5% (6.7-20.3); FPb, 19.1% (11.8-26.4). Analyses using all 679 screens with a paired venous specimen (mean delay between screen and venous testing = 30 days) yielded much higher false positive rates (CPb, 31.3%; FPb, 46.0%). Conclusions. Screening for lead poisoning is feasible within an urban pediatric clinic by direct measurement of lead concentration in blood samples obtained by fingerstick. The false positive rate that can be obtained is acceptable given the precision of measuring BPb concentration. Practitioners using a staged screening protocol may incorrectly attribute a higher false positive rate to the screening tests, when much of the error may be due to the temporal variability of BPb resulting from both biologic variability in BPb concentration and intermittent exposures.

scholarly journals Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwu Wang ◽  
Peng Huang ◽  
Ruibiao Zhang ◽  
Xueyong Feng ◽  
Qiulin Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Lead Level ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, so toxic heavy metals may continue to threaten the health of children in the area. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of e-waste exposure on haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in preschool children. Methods Medical exams were conducted with the consent of children’s guardians and the approval of the Shantou University Medical College Ethics Committee. This study recruited 224 and 204 children in 3–6 years old from Guiyu (exposed group) and from a town without e-waste pollution (control group), respectively. Blood levels of lead, Hb, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 were tested in all children. Furthermore, all children were assessed for thalassemia, and their parents were asked to complete questionnaires. Results There was no significant differences in ferritin, folate, or vitamin B12 levels between the exposed and control groups (P > 0.05). All children were excluded thalassemia. Blood lead level (BLL) and the rate of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL were higher in the exposed group than control group (both P < 0.01). Both groups were further divided into three sub-groups according to BLL (Group A: <5.0 µg/dL; Group B: 5.0–9.9 µg/dL; Group C: ≥10.0 µg/dL). Hb levels were negatively correlated with BLL in exposed group (F = 3.52, P = 0.03), but not in control group (F = 1.98, P = 0.14). Hb levels in group B and group C were significantly lower in exposed group than in control group (Group B, P = 0.01; Group C, P = 0.03). In addition, the prevalence of anaemia in children with lead poisoning in exposed group were significantly higher than those in control group (4.0% versus 0.5%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of anaemia in children without lead poisoning and without iron deficiency in exposed group were also higher than those in control group (6.5% versus 2.0%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Lead exposure significantly inhibits Hb synthesis in children living in e-waste dismantling areas compared to those living in non-e-waste dismantling areas. Other toxins released from e-waste may also contribute to the inhibition of Hb synthesis and may lead to anaemia in local children. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence for the development of relevant protective measures.

scholarly journals Risk Of Lead Intoxication In Exposed Workers

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-127
Author(s):  
Tanja P. Kuneva ◽  
Diana B. Apostolova ◽  
Zlatka B. Stoyneva ◽  
Aneta B. Ivanova ◽  
Vladimira V. Boyadzhieva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Clinical Observation ◽  
Toxic Hepatitis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Lead Intoxication ◽  
Metal Absorption ◽  
Exposed Workers

Summary A clinical observation of 15 workers exposed to lead, engaged in recycling of lead accumulators, was carried out. The exposition to lead aerosols varied from 2 months to 14 years. High levels of lead absorption and excretion after application of antidote therapy were found in all workers followed up. There were no manifestclinical signs and symptoms in 7 workers whom we suspected to be lead carriers. Anemia was diagnosed in 8 of the investigated persons. Severe form of intoxication, including paresis of both radial nerves, was established in one worker. Subacute lead poisoning, presenting with lead colic, anemia, toxic hepatitis and toxic polyneuropathy, was diagnosed in three persons with only several months of intensive lead exposure. Association between lead exposure, metal absorption and clinical symptoms in investigated persons were discussed.

scholarly journals Relationship of Lead Exposure with Workers' Blood Pressure and Blood Components: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Torabi Goodarzi ◽  
Farideh Golbabaei ◽  
Bahram Harati ◽  
Robabeh Chang ◽  
Vahid Ahmadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Components ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
And Control

Background: Lead is one of the most widely used metals in the industries and is the amplest metal element on the Earth’s crust. This metal disrupts the physiological processes of the body due to its accumulation in various tissues. The present study aimed to determining the association of lead exposure with blood pressure and blood components of the lead mine employees in Isfahan City, Iran.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 187 workers were investigated; they worked in the lead mines of Isfahan from January to April 2016. The staff was divided into two groups: one was exposed to lead and the other was the control group. The participants' general information was collected in worksheets, including age, work experience, work shift, body mass index, blood pressure, and smoking status. Sampling was carried out by active sampling using the NIOSH 7300 method. Blood samples were taken from all participants and their hematological parameters were evaluated, including red blood cell, platelet count, percent of lymphocytes, and volume of red blood cells. Results: The participants' age means were 34.06 (8.8) and 37.04 (11.48) years in the case and control groups, respectively. The time-weighted average concentration of lead in the breathing zone air of workers was 0.0533 mg/m3. The average systolic blood pressure was 12.01 (1.3) mmHg in exposed workers, while it was 11.78 (1.1) mmHg in the control group. The average diastolic blood pressure was 7.84 (0.71) mmHg in exposed workers and 7.73 (0.54) mmHg in control group. Statistical test results showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with regard to their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the lead-exposed and non-exposed groups with regard to the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Conclusion:  According to the results, lead exposure can cause metabolic changes in blood pressure and some of its features. Considering the importance of this issue, some preventive measures should be taken to maintain and improve the worker's health and well-being, such as increasing the workers' rest time, performing periodic examinations for them, as well as conducting safety workshops and training sessions.  

scholarly journals Arsenic Exposure and Methylation Efficiency in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Semiconductor Workers

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Chih-Hong Pan ◽  
Ching-Yu Lin ◽  
Ching-Huang Lai ◽  
Hueiwang Anna Jeng
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dimethylarsinic Acid ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Inorganic As ◽  
Exposed Workers

This study examined associations between oxidative stress and arsenic (As) exposure and methylation efficiency in semiconductor workers. An As-exposed group (n = 427) and a control group (n = 91) were included. The As-exposure group (n = 427) included 149 maintenance staff members and 278 production staff members representing high As exposure and low As exposure, respectively. The control group included 91 administrative staff members with no or minimal As exposure. An occupational exposure assessment was conducted to assess personal As exposure by measuring As concentrations in urine, hair, and fingernails of the subjects. Urinary As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were quantified to assess an internal dose of inorganic As. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to asses oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, respectively. As concentrations in urine, hair, and fingernails significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the As-exposed group in comparison to the control group. Geometric mean urinary concentrations of As, 8-OHdG, and MDA in the As-exposed group significantly exceeded those in the control group. As exposure to As-exposed workers had increased concentrations of 8-OHdG in contrast to those in control subjects. Moreover, urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in the semiconductor workers were positively correlated with urinary total As metabolite (As(III) + As(V) + MMA + DMA) concentrations. Furthermore, urinary excretion of 8-OHdG concentrations in As-exposed workers were positively associated with urinary excretion of MMA concentrations and primary methylation index values (the ration of MMA/inorganic As). However, fingernail and hair samples did not perform as well as urinary samples to measure oxidative stress induced by As exposure. 8-OHdG could serve as a more reliable biomarker for assessing As methylation than MDA did. Occupational exposure to inorganic As was associated with increased oxidative stress among semiconductor workers.

scholarly journals Lead Environmental Pollution and Childhood Lead Poisoning at Ban Thi Commune, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Doan Ngoc Hai ◽  
Lo Van Tung ◽  
Duong Khanh Van ◽  
Ta Thi Binh ◽  
Ha Lan Phuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Lead Concentration ◽  
Lead Level ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Lead Levels

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 standards (average 2980.23 ± 6092.84 mg/kg dry weight of soil (range 80.05 – 33820.62)). Average blood lead levels for children were 15.42 ± 6.45 μg/dL (95% CI: 14.50 -16.33 μg/dL). The percentage of children with lead levels >10 μg/dL (value considered to be lead poisoning for children according to the Ministry of Health of Vietnam) was 79.49% of the total number of children. None of the children in this study had blood lead level (BLL) that required chelation treatment according to Vietnam MOH guideline (BLL ≥45 μg/dL). There is weakly evidence that lead exposure relates to the physical development of children. Children with low lead concentrations (less than 10 μg/dL) had height and weight of 1.47-3.51 cm and 1.19-2.81 kg, greater than those with BLL >10 μg/dL (p>0.05).

Decreased paraoxonase 1 activity and increased oxidative stress in low lead−exposed workers

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1196-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinnakorn Permpongpaiboon ◽  
Amar Nagila ◽  
Phannee Pidetcha ◽  
Kulwadee Tuangmungsakulchai ◽  
Soontharee Tantrarongroj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Paraoxonase 1 ◽  
Pon1 Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oxidative Stress Parameters ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Stress Parameters

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been proposed as an antioxidant enzyme. Although lead-inhibited PON1 activity has been demonstrated mostly based on in vitro experiments, it is uncertain whether this phenomenon is relevant in pathogenesis of lead-induced oxidative stress in the lead exposure. We examined associations of blood lead levels (BLL) and PON1 activity along with oxidative stress parameters in lead exposure workers. We determined malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated diene (CD), total peroxides (TP), total antioxidant status (TAS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and PON1 activity in earthenware factory workers ( n = 60) and control subjects ( n = 65). The lead-exposed group significantly increased lipid peroxidation parameters and OSI compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). The lead-exposed group had significantly decreased PON1 activity and TAS levels compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that BLL were significantly correlated with decreased TAS ( r = −0.496) and PON1 activity ( r = −0.434), but with increased CD ( r = 0.694), TP ( r = 0.614), MDA ( r = 0.788), and OSI ( r = 0.722). Interestingly, BLL at 10 µg/dL significantly decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress parameters with insignificant changes in other biochemical and hematological parameters. Altogether, the reduction of PON1 activity may associate in an imbalance in pro-oxidants and antioxidants, leading to oxidative damage in lead-exposed workers even at low BLL.

Low Lead Levels and Behavior Problems in Children

1982 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Marlowe ◽  
John Errera
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Disorders ◽  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Peer Relations ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Behavior Problem ◽  
Classroom Teacher ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Teacher Judgment ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Lead Levels

Children who survive lead poisoning are at risk for severe behavioral disorders resulting from damage to the central nervous system. Recent resarch has suggested that among children with lead levels below those associated with overt lead poisoning, behavioral disorders may also occur. The present study was undertaken to investigate possible relationships between lead levels and behavioral problems in children. Lead levels taken from hair samples in a group of children (N = 26) having behavioral problems as defined by teacher judgment were compared with lead levels taken from hair samples in a control group (N = 29) not having behavioral problems by teacher judgment. Subjects were drawn from the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee. There were no significant differences between the groups in socioeconomic status, sex, or ethnic group distributions. Mean age in the behavior problem group was 10.73 and in the controls, 8.68. Hair samples taken from the participants were analyzed for mineral content by induction-coupled plasma spectroscopy. Each child was also rated by his classroom teacher on the Walker Problem Behavior Identification Checklist (WPBIC). The group of behavior problem children had significantly higher hair lead levels (t = 3.37, 53, p < .001). Correlations were run between lead levels and WPBIC ratings for the 55 children. Lead levels correlated significantly and positively with the WPBIC scales measuring distractibility, aggression, disturbed peer relations, and immaturity. It was concluded that a continuing reexamination of lead poisoning levels is needed because lead levels previously thought harmless may be associated with neurobehavioral impairments.

Effects of lead on thyroid functions in lead-exposed workers

Open Medicine ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Recep Pekcici ◽  
Burak Kavlakoğlu ◽  
Sevim Yilmaz ◽  
Mustafa Şahin ◽  
Tuncay Delibaşi
Keyword(s):  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Lead Levels ◽  
Tsh Levels

AbstractLead exposure is a common public health problem. Exposure to the metal can cause hematological, gastrointestinal, rheumatological, endocrine, neurological and renal problems in humans. However, effects on the thyroid gland are controversial. We retrospectively investigated thyroid function parameters in 65 adult males who had been occupationally exposed to lead. We then compared the findings with those of 60 male patients who had no history of lead exposure or thyroid abnormalities, who served as the control group. The mean ages of the lead-exposed workers and the controls were 34.3 ± 7.9 and 32.9 ± 6.6 years respectively. Blood lead levels in the lead-exposed workers were significantly higher than in the control group. The lead-exposed workers were assigned to one of three groups according to their blood lead levels, as follows: 40–59 μg/dl, 60–79 μg/dl, or 80 μg/dl and above. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels in the 80 μg/dl and above group were significantly higher than in either the 40–59 μg/dl group or the 60–79 μg/dl group. However, TSH levels in the 40–59 μg/dl group did not differ significantly from those in the 60–79 μg/dl group. These results suggest that high levels of lead in the blood may affect thyroid physiology. Clinicians should be aware of the potential hazardous effects of lead on the thyroid, especially in patients who have been occupationally exposed to lead.

Relationship between lead exposure indices and renal functions in lead exposed workers

1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyu Dong Ahn ◽  
Sung Soo Lee ◽  
Byung Kook Lee ◽  
Doo Hie Kim
Keyword(s):  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Renal Functions ◽  
Exposed Workers
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