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Olufemi AC, Mji A, Mukhola MS. Potential Health Risks of Lead Exposure from Early Life through Later Life: Implications for Public Health Education. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192316006. [PMID: 36498077 PMCID: PMC9741093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure has been a serious environmental and public health problem throughout the world over the years. The major sources of lead in the past were paint and gasoline before they were phased out due to its toxicity. Meanwhile, people continue to be exposed to lead from time to time through many other sources such as water, food, soil and air. Lead exposure from these sources could have detrimental effects on human health, especially in children. UNICEF reported that approximately 800 million children have blood lead levels (BLLs) at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) globally. This paper reports on the potential risks of lead exposure from early life through later life. The articles used in this study were searched from databases such as Springer, Science Direct, Hindawi, MDPI, Google Scholar, PubMed and other academic databases. The levels of lead exposure in low income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were reported, with the former being more affected. The intake of certain nutrients could play an essential role in reducing (e.g., calcium and iron) or increasing (e.g., high fat foods) lead absorption in children. Elevated blood lead levels may disturb the cells' biological metabolism by replacing beneficial ions in the body such as calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium. Once these ions are replaced by lead, they can lead to brain disorders, resulting in reduced IQ, learning difficulties, reduced attention span and some behavioral problems. Exposure to lead at an early age may lead to the development of more critical problems later in life. This is because exposure to this metal can be harmful even at low exposure levels and may have a lasting and irreversible effect on humans. Precautionary measures should be put in place to prevent future exposure. These will go a long way in safeguarding the health of everyone, most especially the young ones.
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Ahmed J, Wong LP, Chua YP, Channa N, Memon UUR, Garn JV, Yasmin A, VanDerslice JA. Heavy metals drinking water contamination and health risk assessment among primary school children of Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:667-679. [PMID: 33910486 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1915653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and Fe (Fe) in drinking water sources in primary schools in Sindh Province, Pakistan and to quantify potential health risks among those school children. We conducted a representative, cross-sectional study among 425 primary schools in Sindh province of Pakistan. We used risk assessment models to estimate the metal index, pollution index, lifetime cancer risk, and hazard quotient index. Across the 425 sampled schools, the levels of heavy metals in the drinking water often exceeded the WHO permissible limits (67% of schools exceeded Pb limit, 17% for Cd, 15% for Fe). The average incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for Pb exceeded tolerable limits in all of the districts under study. The findings, particularly for Pb, are of concern, as Pb may negatively influence children's growth, development, school performance, and long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamhsoro, Pakistan
| | - Li Ping Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yan Piaw Chua
- Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Najeebullah Channa
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamhsoro, Pakistan
| | - Ubed-Ur-Rehman Memon
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamhsoro, Pakistan
| | - Joshua V Garn
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Aneela Yasmin
- Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
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Bauer JA, Devick KL, Bobb JF, Coull BA, Bellinger D, Benedetti C, Cagna G, Fedrighi C, Guazzetti S, Oppini M, Placidi D, Webster TF, White RF, Yang Q, Zoni S, Wright RO, Smith DR, Lucchini RG, Claus Henn B. Associations of a Metal Mixture Measured in Multiple Biomarkers with IQ: Evidence from Italian Adolescents Living near Ferroalloy Industry. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:97002. [PMID: 32897104 PMCID: PMC7478128 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the health effects of chemical mixtures has focused mainly on early life rather than adolescence, a potentially important developmental life stage. OBJECTIVES We examined associations of a metal mixture with general cognition in a cross-sectional study of adolescents residing near ferromanganese industry, a source of airborne metals emissions. METHODS We measured manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in hair, blood, urine, nails, and saliva from 635 Italian adolescents 10-14 years of age. Full-scale, verbal, and performance intelligence quotient (FSIQ, VIQ, PIQ) scores were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III. Multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate associations of the metal mixture with IQ. In secondary analyses, we used BKMR's hierarchical variable selection option to inform biomarker selection for Mn, Cu, and Cr. RESULTS Median metal concentrations were as follows: hair Mn, 0.08 μ g / g ; hair Cu, 9.6 μ g / g ; hair Cr, 0.05 μ g / g ; and blood Pb, 1.3 μ g / dL . Adjusted models revealed an inverted U-shaped association between hair Cu and VIQ, consistent with Cu as an essential nutrient that is neurotoxic in excess. At low levels of hair Cu (10th percentile, 5.4 μ g / g ), higher concentrations (90th percentiles) of the mixture of Mn, Pb, and Cr (0.3 μ g / g , 2.6 μ g / dL , and 0.1 μ g / g , respectively) were associated with a 2.9 (95% CI: - 5.2 , - 0.5 )-point decrease in VIQ score, compared with median concentrations of the mixture. There was suggestive evidence of interaction between Mn and Cu. In secondary analyses, saliva Mn, hair Cu, and saliva Cr were selected as the biomarkers most strongly associated with VIQ score. DISCUSSION Higher adolescent levels of Mn, Pb, and Cr were associated with lower IQ scores, especially at low Cu levels. Findings also support further investigation into Cu as both beneficial and toxic for neurobehavioral outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Bauer
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katrina L. Devick
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Jennifer F. Bobb
- Biostatistics Unit, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chiara Benedetti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fedrighi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Oppini
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roberta F. White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Silvia Zoni
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Donald R. Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Roberto G. Lucchini
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Radiological Science and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Li Y, Yu Y, Zheng N, Hou S, Song X, Dong W. Metallic elements in human hair from residents in smelting districts in northeast China: Environmental factors and differences in ingestion media. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108914. [PMID: 31812938 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The health of residents in Huludao City is affected by the emissions of heavy metals from smelting, diet and atmospheric precipitation. This study investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in scalp hair samples from 259 residents of different ages and genders from five districts in Huludao City and examined the main factors for heavy metal exposure. Cd and Pb concentrations in hair samples exceeded the normal concentration ranges for human hair (Cd < 0.3 mg/kg; Pb < 9.3 mg/kg), and the highest Pb concentrations were found in subjects in the age range 0-15 years. Samples from men were higher in Cd and Pb compared to those for women. Workers from the Huludao zinc plant (HZP) had higher concentrations of all metals in their hair relative to other occupations except for Cu. Geographically, the highest Cd and Pb concentrations in hair were found for residents living in Daochi district (DCD) and the Zn plant district (ZPD), respectively. In smelting regions, the effects of dust ingestion on heavy metal exposure were more important than in non-smelting regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China; Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China; Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Shengnan Hou
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Song
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wu Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory Toxinscant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028043, China
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Abstract
The inextricable link between topsoil lead (Pb) and children’s blood lead (BPb) has not been widely accepted. Pb is associated with multiple health adversities. Urban residents are at risk from exposure to legacy Pb dust in topsoil resulting from smelting, industrial discharges, leaded gasoline emissions, leaded paint, and incineration. In New Orleans, topsoil median Pb decreased in ∼15 y from 99 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg, or ∼2.4 mg⋅kg⋅y−1. In ∼12 y, children’s median BPb declined from 3.6 μg/dL to 1.3 μg/dL, or ∼0.2 μg⋅dL⋅y−1. We argue that depletion of topsoil Pb is an important factor in the continuous decline of children’s BPb. Similar processes are expected in all US cities. Primary prevention requires curtailing Pb in all sources, including topsoil. Lead (Pb) is extremely toxic and a major cause of chronic diseases worldwide. Pb is associated with health disparities, particularly within low-income populations. In biological systems, Pb mimics calcium and, among other effects, interrupts cell signaling. Furthermore, Pb exposure results in epigenetic changes that affect multigenerational gene expression. Exposure to Pb has decreased through primary prevention, including removal of Pb solder from canned food, regulating lead-based paint, and especially eliminating Pb additives in gasoline. While researchers observe a continuous decline in children’s blood lead (BPb), reservoirs of exposure persist in topsoil, which stores the legacy dust from leaded gasoline and other sources. Our surveys of metropolitan New Orleans reveal that median topsoil Pb in communities (n = 274) decreased 44% from 99 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg (P value of 2.09 × 10−08), with a median depletion rate of ∼2.4 mg⋅kg⋅y−1 over 15 y. From 2000 through 2005 to 2011 through 2016, children’s BPb declined from 3.6 μg/dL to 1.2 μg/dL or 64% (P value of 2.02 × 10−85), a decrease of ∼0.2 μg⋅dL⋅y−1 during a median of 12 y. Here, we explore the decline of children’s BPb by examining a metabolism of cities framework of inputs, transformations, storages, and outputs. Our findings indicate that decreasing Pb in topsoil is an important factor in the continuous decline of children’s BPb. Similar reductions are expected in other major US cities. The most contaminated urban communities, usually inhabited by vulnerable populations, require further reductions of topsoil Pb to fulfill primary prevention for the nation’s children.
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Dórea JG. Environmental exposure to low-level lead (Pb) co-occurring with other neurotoxicants in early life and neurodevelopment of children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108641. [PMID: 31421445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a worldwide environmental contaminant that even at low levels influences brain development and affects neurobehavior later in life; nevertheless it is only a small fraction of the neurotoxicant (NT) exposome. Exposure to environmental Pb concurrent with other NT substances is often the norm, but their joint effects are challenging to study during early life. The aim of this review is to integrate studies of Pb-containing NT mixtures during the early life and neurodevelopment outcomes of children. The Pb-containing NT mixtures that have been most studied involve other metals (Mn, Al, Hg, Cd), metalloids (As), halogen (F), and organo-halogen pollutants. Co-occurring Pb-associated exposures during pregnancy and lactation depend on the environmental sources and the metabolism and half-life of the specific NT contaminant; but offspring neurobehavioral outcomes are also influenced by social stressors. Nevertheless, Pb-associated effects from prenatal exposure portend a continued burden on measurable neurodevelopment; they thus favor increased neurological health issues, decrements in neurobehavioral tests and reductions in the quality of life. Neurobehavioral test outcomes measured in the first 1000 days showed Pb-associated negative outcomes were frequently noticed in infants (<6 months). In older (preschool and school) children studies showed more variations in NT mixtures, children's age, and sensitivity and/or specificity of neurobehavioral tests; these variations and choice of statistical model (individual NT stressor or collective effect of mixture) may explain inconsistencies. Multiple exposures to NT mixtures in children diagnosed with 'autism spectrum disorders' (ASD) and 'attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders' (ADHD), strongly suggest a Pb-associated effect. Mixture potency (number or associated NT components and respective concentrations) and time (duration and developmental stage) of exposure often showed a measurable impact on neurodevelopment; however, net effects, reversibility and/or predictability of delays are insufficiently studied and need urgent attention. Nevertheless, neurodevelopment delays can be prevented and/or attenuated if public health policies are implemented to protect the unborn and the young child.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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Santa Maria MP, Hill BD, Kline J. Lead (Pb) neurotoxicology and cognition. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2018; 8:272-293. [DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2018.1428803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin D. Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Joshua Kline
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
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Akinwunmi F, Akinhanmi TF, Atobatele ZA, Adewole O, Odekunle K, Arogundade LA, Odukoya OO, Olayiwola OM, Ademuyiwa O. Heavy metal burdens of public primary school children related to playground soils and classroom dusts in Ibadan North-West local government area, Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 49:21-26. [PMID: 27889649 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Information about heavy metal burden of children in Nigeria related to playground soils and classroom dusts is lacking. Playground soil, classroom dust, blood and spot urine samples (n=253) were collected from 6 urban and 2 semi-rural public schools in Ibadan North-West, Nigeria. Samples were analysed for Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. Mean blood Pb levels in urban area (male, 41.66±8.78μg/dl vs. female, 40.64±5.46μg/dl) were twice as high as those in semi-rural area (male, 19.71±3.73μg/dl vs. female, 20.65±2.26μg/dl). Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe in soil and dust samples in the urban schools were between 2- to 4-fold greater than that of semi-rural schools. No correlation was observed between blood and dust metals. A positive correlation (r=0.168, p=0.008) was observed between blood Pb and playground soil Pb. Pb burden in the children might be from their schools' playgrounds and other yet unidentified sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Akinwunmi
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - T F Akinhanmi
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - Z A Atobatele
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - O Adewole
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - K Odekunle
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - L A Arogundade
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - O O Odukoya
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - O M Olayiwola
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | - O Ademuyiwa
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
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Mielke HW, Gonzales CR, Powell ET, Mielke PW. Spatiotemporal dynamic transformations of soil lead and children's blood lead ten years after Hurricane Katrina: New grounds for primary prevention. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:567-575. [PMID: 27431908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of lead contaminated soil to blood lead, especially as it is a large reservoir of lead dust, has been underestimated relative to lead-based paint. On 29 August 2005 Hurricane Katrina flooded and disrupted habitation in New Orleans. Soil and blood lead were mapped prior to Katrina. This unique study addresses soil and blood lead conditions pre- and ten years post-Katrina and considers the effectiveness of low lead soil for lead exposure intervention. OBJECTIVES Comparison of soil and blood lead levels pre- and ten years post-Katrina to evaluate and assess the impact of flooding on soil and blood lead at the scale of the city of New Orleans. METHODS Post-Katrina soil and blood lead data were stratified by the same census tracts (n=176) as pre-Katrina data. This unique city scale data-set includes soil lead (n=3314 and 3320, pre- vs. post-Katrina), blood lead (n=39,620 and 17,739, pre- vs. post-Katrina), distance, and changes in percent pre-1940 housing. Statistical analysis entailed permutation procedures and Fisher's Exact Tests. RESULTS Pre- vs. ten years post-Katrina soil lead median decreased from 280 mg/kg to 132 mg/kg, median blood lead decreased from 5μg/dL to 1.8μg/dL, respectively. Percent pre-1940 housing did not change significantly (P-value=0.674). Soil and blood lead decrease with distance from the center of New Orleans. Except for age-of-housing results, P-values were extremely small (<10(-12)). CONCLUSIONS Ten years after Katrina, profound changes in soil lead and children's blood lead occurred in New Orleans. Decreasing the lead on soil surfaces reduces children's interaction with lead dust, thus underscoring soil as a major of source of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard W Mielke
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | | | - Eric T Powell
- Lead Lab Inc., Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Paul W Mielke
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Dong C, Taylor MP, Kristensen LJ, Zahran S. Environmental contamination in an Australian mining community and potential influences on early childhood health and behavioural outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 207:345-56. [PMID: 26448503 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic, cadmium and lead in aerosols, dusts and surface soils from Australia's oldest continuous lead mining town of Broken Hill were compared to standardised national childhood developmental (year 1) and education performance measures (years 3,5,7,9). Contaminants close to mining operations were elevated with maximum lead levels in soil: 8900 mg/kg; dust wipe: 86,061 μg/m(2); dust deposition: 2950 μg/m(2)/day; aerosols: 0.707 μg/m(3). The proportion of children from Broken Hill central, the area with the highest environmental contamination, presented with vulnerabilities in two or more developmental areas at 2.6 times the national average. Compared with other school catchments of Broken Hill, children in years 3 and 5 from the most contaminated school catchment returned consistently the lowest educational scores. By contrast, children living and attending schools associated with lower environmental contamination levels recorded higher school scores and lower developmental vulnerabilities. Similar results were identified in Australia's two other major lead mining and smelting cities of Port Pirie and Mount Isa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyin Dong
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - Louise Jane Kristensen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Center for Disaster and Risk Analysis, Colorado State University, C-312A Clark Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1771, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Humans are routinely exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously or sequentially. There is evidence that the toxicity of individual chemicals may depend on the presence of other chemicals. Studies on chemical mixtures are limited, however, because of the lack of sufficient exposure data, limited statistical power, and difficulty in the interpretation of multidimensional interactions. This review summarizes the recent literature examining chemical mixtures and pediatric health outcomes, with an emphasis on metal mixtures. RECENT FINDINGS Several studies report significant interactions between metals in relation to pediatric health outcomes. Two prospective studies found interactive effects of early-life lead and manganese exposures on cognition. In two different cohorts, interactions between lead and cadmium exposures were reported on reproductive hormone levels and on neurodevelopment. Effects of lead exposure on impulsive behavior and cognition were modified by mercury exposure in studies from Canada and Denmark. However, there is little consistency related to exposure indicators and statistical approaches for evaluating interaction. SUMMARY Several studies suggest that metals interact to cause health effects that are different from exposure to each metal alone. Despite the nearly infinite number of possible chemical combinations, mixtures research represents real-life exposure scenarios and warrants more attention, particularly in the context of uniquely vulnerable children.
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Amato MS, Magzamen S, Imm P, Havlena JA, Anderson HA, Kanarek MS, Moore CF. Early lead exposure (<3 years old) prospectively predicts fourth grade school suspension in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 126:60-5. [PMID: 23948117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
School suspensions are associated with negative student outcomes. Environmental lead exposure increases hyperactivity and sensory defensiveness, two traits likely to increase classroom misbehavior and subsequent discipline. Childhood Blood Lead Level (BLL) test results categorized urban fourth graders as exposed (2687; lifetime max BLL 10-20 µg/dL) or unexposed (1076; no lifetime BLL ≥5 µg/dL). Exposed children were over twice as likely as unexposed children to be suspended (OR=2.66, 95% CI=[2.12, 3.32]), controlling for covariates. African American children were more likely to be suspended than white children, but lead exposure explained 23% of the racial discipline gap. These results suggest that different rates of environmental lead exposure may contribute to the racial discipline gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Amato
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 550 North Park Street, Madison, WI, USA.
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