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Specht AJ, Hoover C, Grier T. Portable x-ray fluorescence for bone lead measurement: Current approaches and future directions. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:443-451. [PMID: 38776000 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00450-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Legacy lead exposures persist as a widespread problem. Blood lead is traditionally used for lead exposure surveillance; however, bone lead proves to be a cheaper, more accessible, and more revealing tool for surveillance that can be measured using portable x-ray fluorescence techniques. We outline how this approach excels for bone lead measurements. RECENT FINDINGS Portable XRF offers quick, non-invasive in vivo quantification of bone lead. Compared to traditional KXRF systems, pXRF is limited to cortical bone but allows for quicker and similar results. Current methodologies of lead exposure need re-evaluation as lead-related disease burden and trends are dependent on both cumulative and acute impacts. We examined the evolution of XRF techniques for measuring bone lead, comparing current methods with previous ones. We assessed their accuracy, identified limitations, and discussed potential advances in future techniques. Legacy lead exposures call for a revitalization of lead surveillance methods, and pXRF measurement of bone lead offers such a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Specht
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Christian Hoover
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Grier
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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2
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Specht AJ, Sayam ASM, Parish CN, Hauck TJ, Watson RT, McClure CJW, Weisskopf MG. Bone lead measurements of live condors in field to assess cumulative lead exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:56308-56313. [PMID: 39264498 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning remains the leading cause of diagnosed death for critically endangered California condors, which are annually monitored for lead exposure via blood tests. Blood tests are generally reflective of acute lead exposure. Since condors are victims to both chronic and acute lead exposure, measuring bone, which in humans is reflective of years to decades worth of exposure, is a valuable biomarker. In this study, we measured bone Pb of the tibiotarsus of 64 condors in vivo using a portable x-ray fluorescence device. The average uncertainty for measurements, typically reflective of how effective the device performed, was found to be 3.8 ± 2.2 µg/g bone mineral. The average bone lead level was found to be 26.7 ± 24.5 µg/g bone mineral. Bone lead correlated significantly with a sum of all blood lead measures over the lifetime of each condor. In the future, bone lead can potentially be used to inform treatment planning and address the chronic health implications of lead in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Specht
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Chen Y, Fan Y, Huang Y, Liao X, Xu W, Zhang T. A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115905. [PMID: 38171230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Chongqing Research Center for Jialing River Development, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing and Automotive, Chongqing Technology and Business Institute, Chongqing 401520, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; JINSHAN Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China.
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Buerck AM, Khaliq M, Alfredo K, Cunningham JA, Barrett LJP, Rakotondrazaka R, Rakotoarisoa L, Champion WM, Mihelcic JR. Reductions in Children's Blood Lead Levels from a Drinking-Water Intervention in Madagascar, Sub-Saharan Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16309-16316. [PMID: 37850908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
One in three children globally is estimated to have blood lead levels (BLL) at or above the BLL reference value of 5 μg/dL with increased burden falling on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Within developed countries, aqueous lead is the predominant exposure route. However, aqueous lead exposure is rarely examined in the LMIC, leaving a gap in the literature that ignores a potentially significant route of exposure. Furthermore, limited lead-based remediation efforts around consumer products have been examined. This study investigates the importance of lead exposure from the water supply through a case study in Toamasina, Madagascar. The project measured aqueous lead and BLL of children pre- and postremediation efforts (i.e., removal of leaded pump components in hand pumps) to verify the impact of aqueous lead exposure within this community. Removal of the leaded pump components (i.e., piston and foot valves) and replacement with nonleaded components decreased aqueous lead levels below the World Health Organization provisional guideline of 10 μg/L in all but 4% of pumps tested. Measured BLL concentrations indicated a statistically significant decrease in BLL from pre- to postremediation. Furthermore, the remediation resulted in a decrease in BLL for 87% of children with the greatest changes in BLL observed for children with the highest preremediation concentrations. These findings point to a need for greater consideration of lead in drinking and cooking waters as an important exposure route in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaline M Buerck
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Mahmooda Khaliq
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Katherine Alfredo
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Cunningham
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | | | | | - Lova Rakotoarisoa
- ONG Ranontsika, 22 Bis Rue du Commerce, Ampasimazava Toamasina 501, Madagascar
| | - Wyatt M Champion
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - James R Mihelcic
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
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Dong J, Li X. Lead pollution-related health of children in China: Disparity, challenge, and policy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163383. [PMID: 37068684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a neurotoxic metal, and no level of lead exposure is safe for children. China has still experienced problems on child lead poisoning even though the Chinese government has phased out leaded gasoline since 2000. The underlying problem affecting the lead pollution-related health of children in China remains to be comprehensively investigated. It is found that although the significant decline of BLLs, as the Geometric Mean (GM), from 91.40 μg/LGM in 2001 to 37.52 μg/LGM in 2018 is observed, the average BLLs of children are still above 50 μg/L or more [average 59.70 (60.50-65.02, 95 % CI) μg/LGM] after phasing out leaded gasoline since 2000 in China. Lead exposure causes 29.67 MID per 1000 children with a loss of 98.23 (59.40-146.21, 95 % CI) DALYs per 1000 in China, which is greater than the levels reported from the Western Pacific Region and other low- and middle-income countries. A significant correlation is observed between the number of child crimes (NoCCs) and the outcomes of long-term lead exposure for children in China. Although the disparities in BLLs in China are strongly influenced by unequal distributions of potential multi-lead related sources (soil lead, PM2.5 lead, dust lead), unbalance development of local industrialization and economies, as well as incorrect health care for younger children, the notable emissions from coal combustion (CC) and non-ferrous metals (NMS) exploitation dominate the crucial sources of low-level lead exposure to children after phasing out leaded gasoline in China currently. Faced with the unequal and disparate distribution of BLLs in China, the big bottleneck is to decrease the BLLs exertions of 36-45 μg/L in the next few decades. The Chinese government needs to make more efforts on developing more strict guidelines, implementing more policy strategies on prevention and management of blood Pb poisoning, and monitoring the nationwide changes in children's BLLs continuously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, PR China; International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutant Exposure and Eco-environmental Health, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, PR China; International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutant Exposure and Eco-environmental Health, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, PR China; Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.
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Niu C, Dong M, Niu Y. Lead toxicity and potential therapeutic effect of plant-derived polyphenols. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154789. [PMID: 37004401 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, lead is still used worldwide in several applications, especially in industry. Both environmental and industrial lead exposures remain a public health problem in many developing and rapidly industrializing countries. Plant polyphenols are pleiotropic in their function and have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy. PURPOSE To summarize available pre-clinical and limited clinical evidence on plant polyphenols as potential antidotes against lead poisoning and discuss toxic mechanisms of lead. METHOD A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed publications was performed from core collections of electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Articles written in English-language from inception until December 2022 were selected. RESULTS In this review, we review key toxic mechanisms of lead and its pathological effects on the neurological, reproductive, renal, cardiovascular, hematological, and hepatic systems. We focus on plant polyphenols against lead toxicity and involved mechanisms. Finally, we address scientific gaps and challenges associated with translating these promising preclinical discoveries into effective clinical therapies. CONCLUSION While preclinical evidence suggests that plant polyphenols exhibit bioprotective effects against lead toxicity, scant and equivocal clinical data highlight a need for clinical trials with those polyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengu Niu
- Internal medicine residency program, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY 14621, USA
| | - Miaoxian Dong
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Yingcai Niu
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
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Chang JD, Gao W, Wang P, Zhao FJ. OsNRAMP5 Is a Major Transporter for Lead Uptake in Rice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17481-17490. [PMID: 36418022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic metals affecting human health globally. Food is an important source of chronic Pb exposure in humans. How Pb is taken up by rice, a staple food for over half of the global population, remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of OsNRAMP5, a member of the NRAMP (Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein) transporter family, in Pb uptake by rice roots. Heterologous expression of OsNRAMP5 in yeast increased Pb uptake and sensitivity toward Pb. Knockout of OsNRAMP5 in rice by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing resulted in significant decreases in root uptake of Pb and accumulation in rice shoots. The maximum influx velocity (Vmax) for Pb uptake of the knockout mutants was 70% lower than that of wild-type plants. When grown in Pb-contaminated paddy soil, OsNRAMP5 knockout mutants accumulated approximately 50 and 70% lower Pb concentrations in the grain and straw, respectively, than the wild type. OsNRAMP5 expression in rice roots was not affected by Pb exposure. These results indicate that OsNRAMP5 is a major transporter for Pb uptake in rice, in addition to its role in the uptake of manganese and cadmium. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of Pb uptake in rice plants and a potential strategy to limit Pb accumulation in rice grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Dong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weiping Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fang-Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Sears CG, Lanphear BP, Xu Y, Chen A, Yolton K, Braun JM. Identifying periods of heightened susceptibility to lead exposure in relation to behavioral problems. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:1-9. [PMID: 34728761 PMCID: PMC8776587 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead exposure is associated with behavioral problems in children, but the age(s) of greatest susceptibility to low-level lead exposure is unknown. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the association of repeated blood lead concentrations with parent-reported behaviors to identify periods of heightened susceptibility during infancy and childhood (HOME Study; Cincinnati, OH; 2003-2006; n = 244). METHODS We quantified lead in whole blood samples (ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years) and assessed behavior using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2; ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years). We used multiple informant models and modified Poisson regression to estimate covariate-adjusted associations of ln-transformed blood lead concentrations with continuous BASC-2 T-scores and the relative risk of behavior scores classified as at-risk or clinically significant, respectively. RESULTS We observed trends indicating that higher blood lead concentrations at all ages were adversely associated with scores on behavioral scales. On the Externalizing Problems and Adaptive Skills scales, these associations were strongest for blood lead concentrations at age 8 years (β = 3.1-point; 95% CI = 0.7, 5.4 and β = -2.2-point; 95% CI = -4.9, 0.5, respectively) compared with other ages. Overall, higher blood lead concentrations were associated with elevated risk of behavior scores classified as at-risk or clinically significant on the Adaptive Skills, Behavioral Symptom Index, and Externalizing Problems scales. SIGNIFICANCE Contemporary levels of lead exposure during the first 8 years of life were associated with ADHD-related behaviors, specifically aggression, hyperactivity, and conduct problems. IMPACT STATEMENT Our results highlight the importance of primary lead prevention across childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Yingying Xu
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Zhang X, Wang Z, Liu L, Zhan N, Qin J, Lu X, Cheng M. Assessment of the risks from dietary lead exposure in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126134. [PMID: 34119975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The dietary lead (Pb) risk across China was assessed based on the margin of exposure (MOE) approach by comparing the level (1.5 μg/kg/d) based on the Pb concentrations in foodstuffs from1386 published articles. The Pb averages of the 18 foods were lower than their corresponding limits enacted by the Chinese government, ranging from 0.09 to 0.30 mg/kg. Food from plants had a much higher contribution to dietary Pb intake than that from animals (86% vs. 14%), and cereals and vegetables contributed 79% of the Pb intake from plant-based food. Although each category of food contained a relatively low Pb concentration, the accumulated Pb from the total diet posed a high risk to human health. The MOE risk from dietary Pb averaged 1.57 and ranged from 0.13 to 6.18, with high risks in southern, southwestern, eastern, central, and northern China. The MOE risk from Pb could be decreased by adjusting the dietary structure, and the ratio of people categorized as high risk (MOE < 1) would decrease from 56% to 37%, 41%, or 24% if the category of cereal or vegetable or both cereals and vegetables with the lowest Pb concentration in their local areas were selected, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Zhang
- International Institute for Earth System Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- International Institute for Earth System Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Liu
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Nan Zhan
- International Institute for Earth System Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiayao Qin
- International Institute for Earth System Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinqing Lu
- International Institute for Earth System Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Miaomiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 10012, China
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Valcke M, Bourgault MH, Gagné M, Levallois P. A probabilistic toxicokinetic modeling approach to the assessment of the impact of daily variations of lead concentrations in tap water from schools and daycares on blood lead levels in children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145866. [PMID: 36524623 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of exposure to tap water lead concentration ([Pb]TW) occurring in schools or daycares on blood lead level (BLL) of attending children. Given the potentially wide variations in space and time of ([Pb]TW) documented in the literature, a simple probabilistic toxicokinetic (STK) model that allows the simulation of the time-varying evolution of BLL in response to these variations was developed. Thus, basic toxicokinetic equations were assembled to simulate BLL in a typical infant, toddler and pupil. The STK model's steady-state BLL predictions showed good correspondence when validated against Integrated Exposure and Uptake BioKinetic model predictions for comparable [Pb]TW values. Exposures to three distributions of [Pb]TW in specific sets of Canadian schools and daycares documented in the scientific literature were simulated probabilistically with Monte Carlo simulations. For the highest distribution of [Pb]TW simulated (median, 90th percentile = 24, 412 μg/L), average annual BLL (median, 97.5th percentile) varies between 1.5 and 6.4 μg/dL in infant and 1.1 and 3 μg/dL in pupils. Toddler's results were midway between those from the infants and pupils. Under this exposure scenario, the infant may present BLL > 5 μg/dL for a significant number of days over the course of the academic year (median; 97.5th: 17; 227 days). However, peak exposure may remain unnoticed if rare and drowned out by the background BLL. In conclusion, even if they may be sparse, peak exposure episodes to [Pb]TW in schools and daycares may suffice to increased BLL in attending individuals. This finding emphasizes the need for further characterization of [Pb]TW in schools and daycares in order to identify potentially problematic institutions and therefore avoid undesirable exposures for the children attending them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Valcke
- Direction de la santé environnementale et de la toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 190 boul. Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec H2P 1E2, Canada; Département de santé environnementale et de santé au travail, École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal, Canada.
| | - Marie-Hélène Bourgault
- Direction de la santé environnementale et de la toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 190 boul. Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec H2P 1E2, Canada
| | - Michelle Gagné
- Direction de la santé environnementale et de la toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 190 boul. Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec H2P 1E2, Canada
| | - Patrick Levallois
- Direction de la santé environnementale et de la toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, (Quebec) G1V 5B3, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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11
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Gherase MR, Serna B, Kroeker S. A novel calibration for L-shell x-ray fluorescence measurements of bone lead concentration using the strontium K β/K αratio. Physiol Meas 2021; 42:10.1088/1361-6579/abf886. [PMID: 33857933 PMCID: PMC8177726 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/abf886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Lead (Pb) is a well-known toxic element.In vivobone Pb concentration measurement is a long-term exposure metric complementary to blood Pb concentration measurement which is a metric of recent exposure.In vivohuman tibia bone Pb measurements using Pb K-shell or L-shell x-ray fluorescence (KXRF or LXRF) emissions were developed in the 1980s. KXRF bone Pb measurements using Cd-109 gamma rays and coherent-to-fluorescence ratio to account for differences between phantom andin vivomeasurements, was employed in human studies. Bone Pb LXRF method employed x-ray tubes. However, calibration procedures using ultrasound measurements of the soft tissue thickness (STT) proved inaccurate.Approach. In this study, bone and soft tissue (ST) phantoms simulatedin vivobone Pb measurements. Seven plaster-of-Paris cylindrical bone phantoms containing 1.01 mg g-1of strontium (Sr) were doped with Pb in 0, 8, 16, 29, 44, 59, and 74 μg g-1concentrations. Polyoxymethylene (POM), resin, and wax were each used to fabricate four ST phantoms in the approximate 1-4 mm thickness range. Pb LXRF measurements were performed using a previously developed optimal grazing incidence position method.Main results. Linear attenuation coefficients measurements of ST materials indicated that POM and resin mimicked well attenuation of Pb x-rays in skin and adipose tissue, respectively. POM and resin data indicated a bone Pb detection limit of 20 μg g-1for a 2 mm STT. Derived relationships between the Pb concentration, Pb LXRF and Sr Kβ/Kαratio data did not require STT knowledge. Applied to POM and resin data, the new calibration method yielded unbiased results.Significance.In vivobone Pb measurements in children were suggested following considerations of radiation dose, STT, detectability and distribution of Pb and Sr in bone. This research meets with the concerns regarding the negative effects of low levels of Pb exposure on neurodevelopment of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai R Gherase
- Department of Physics, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, United States of America
| | - Blaz Serna
- Department of Physics, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, United States of America
| | - Sarah Kroeker
- Department of Physics, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, United States of America
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Zhang X, Specht AJ, Wells E, Weisskopf MG, Weuve J, Nie LH. Evaluation of a portable XRF device for in vivo quantification of lead in bone among a US population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:142351. [PMID: 33207470 PMCID: PMC7677595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) concentration in bone is a reliable biomarker for cumulative Pb exposure and studying associated health outcomes. However, the standard K-shell fluorescence (KXRF) bone Pb measurement technology has limitations in large-scale population studies. OBJECTIVE We compared measurements from a portable XRF device and a KXRF device. METHODS We measured bone Pb concentrations in vivo using portable XRF and KXRF, each measured at the mid-tibia bone in 71 people, 38-95 years of age (mean ± SD = 63 ± 11 years) living in or near three Indiana communities, US; 10 participants were occupationally exposed. We estimated the correlation between bone Pb concentrations measured by both devices. We also examined the extent to which the detection limit (DL) of the portable XRF was influenced by scan time and overlying soft tissue thickness. Finally, we quantified the associations of estimated bone Pb concentration with age and age with soft tissue thickness. RESULTS The mean bone Pb concentration measured via portable XRF was 12.3 ± 16.7 mg Pb/kg dry bone. The uncertainty of a 3-minute (N = 60) in vivo portable XRF measurement ranged from 1.8 to 6.3 mg/kg, in the context of soft tissue thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm. This uncertainty was reduced by a factor of 1.4 with 5-minute measurements (N = 11). Bone Pb measurements via portable XRF and KXRF were significantly correlated: r = 0.48 for all participants, and r = 0.73 among participants with soft tissue thickness < 6 mm (72% of the sample). Bone Pb concentrations were higher among participants who were older or were occupationally exposed to Pb. Soft tissue thickness decreased with age. CONCLUSION With its ease of use, portability, and comparable sensitivity with conventional KXRF systems, the portable XRF could be a valuable tool for non-invasive quantification of bone Pb in vivo, especially for people with thinner soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Wells
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda H Nie
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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Nussbaumer-Streit B, Mayr V, Dobrescu AI, Wagner G, Chapman A, Pfadenhauer LM, Lohner S, Lhachimi SK, Busert LK, Gartlehner G. Household interventions for secondary prevention of domestic lead exposure in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 10:CD006047. [PMID: 33022752 PMCID: PMC8094406 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006047.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead exposure is a serious health hazard, especially for children. It is associated with physical, cognitive and neurobehavioural impairment in children. There are many potential sources of lead in the environment, therefore trials have tested many household interventions to prevent or reduce lead exposure. This is an update of a previously published review. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of household interventions intended to prevent or reduce further lead exposure in children on improvements in cognitive and neurobehavioural development, reductions in blood lead levels and reductions in household dust lead levels. SEARCH METHODS In March 2020, we updated our searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 10 other databases and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also searched Google Scholar, checked the reference lists of relevant studies and contacted experts to identify unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of household educational or environmental interventions, or combinations of interventions to prevent lead exposure in children (from birth to 18 years of age), where investigators reported at least one standardised outcome measure. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently reviewed all eligible studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted trialists to obtain missing information. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 studies (three new to this update), involving 3282 children: 16 RCTs (involving 3204 children) and one quasi-RCT (involving 78 children). Children in all studies were under six years of age. Fifteen studies took place in urban areas of North America, one in Australia and one in China. Most studies were in areas with low socioeconomic status. Girls and boys were equally represented in those studies reporting this information. The duration of the intervention ranged from three months to 24 months in 15 studies, while two studies performed interventions on a single occasion. Follow-up periods ranged from three months to eight years. Three RCTs were at low risk of bias in all assessed domains. The other 14 studies were at unclear or high risk of bias; for example, we considered two RCTs and one quasi-RCT at high risk of selection bias and six RCTs at high risk of attrition bias. National or international research grants or governments funded 15 studies, while the other two did not report their funding sources. Education interventions versus no intervention None of the included studies in this comparison assessed effects on cognitive or neurobehavioural outcomes, or adverse events. All studies reported data on blood lead level outcomes. Educational interventions showed there was probably no evidence of a difference in reducing blood lead levels (continuous: mean difference (MD) -0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.13 to 0.07; I² = 0%; 5 studies, 815 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; log-transformed data), or in reducing floor dust levels (MD -0.07, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.24; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 318 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Environmental interventions versus no intervention Dust control: one study in this comparison reported data on cognitive and neurobehavioural outcomes, and on adverse events in children. The study showed numerically there may be better neurobehavioural outcomes in children of the intervention group. However, differences were small and the CI included both a beneficial and non-beneficial effect of the environmental intervention (e.g. mental development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II): MD 0.1, 95% CI -2.1 to 2.4; 1 study, 302 participants; low-certainty evidence). The same study did not observe any adverse events related to the intervention during the eight-year follow-up, but observed two children with adverse events in the control group (1 study, 355 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Meta-analysis also found no evidence of effectiveness on blood lead levels (continuous: MD -0.02, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.06; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 565 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; log-transformed data). We could not pool the data regarding floor dust levels, but studies reported that there may be no evidence of a difference between the groups (very low-certainty evidence). Soil abatement: the two studies assessing this environmental intervention only reported on the outcome of 'blood lead level'. One study showed a small effect on blood lead level reduction, while the other study showed no effect. Therefore, we deem the current evidence insufficient to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of soil abatement (very low-certainty evidence). Combination of educational and environmental interventions versus standard education Studies in this comparison only reported on blood lead levels and dust lead levels. We could not pool the studies in a meta-analysis due to substantial differences between the studies. Since the studies reported inconsistent results, the evidence is currently insufficient to clarify whether a combination of interventions reduces blood lead levels and floor dust levels (very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on available evidence, household educational interventions and environmental interventions (namely dust control measures) show no evidence of a difference in reducing blood lead levels in children as a population health measure. The evidence of the effects of environmental interventions on cognitive and neurobehavioural outcomes and adverse events is uncertain too. Further trials are required to establish the most effective intervention for reducing or even preventing further lead exposure. Key elements of these trials should include strategies to reduce multiple sources of lead exposure simultaneously using empirical dust clearance levels. It is also necessary for trials to be carried out in low- and middle-income countries and in differing socioeconomic groups in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Verena Mayr
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Andreea Iulia Dobrescu
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Gernot Wagner
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Andrea Chapman
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Lisa M Pfadenhauer
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, IBE, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Center of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology, Bremen, Germany
- Department for Health Services Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Laura K Busert
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
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Johnson KM, Specht AJ, Hart JM, Salahuddin S, Erlinger AL, Hacker MR, Woolf AD, Hauptman M, Karumanchi SA, Wylie BJ, O'Brien K. Lead exposure and association with angiogenic factors and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:93-98. [PMID: 32763807 PMCID: PMC7875573 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lead exposure has been associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Angiogenic factors, including soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), are aberrant in preeclampsia, but have not been correlated with lead levels. We evaluated the association of lead exposure with angiogenic factors. STUDY DESIGN This cross sectional study utilized a convenience sample of singleton pregnancies ≥34 weeks' gestation. Blood lead and angiogenic factors were measured before delivery; bone lead was measured postpartum. We dichotomized bone and blood lead into the top tertile versus the bottom tertiles and used log-binomial regression to assess the association between lead and a high angiogenic ratio. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The outcomes were high sFlt1 to PlGF ratio and development of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. RESULTS We enrolled 102 participants, of whom 98 had at least one lead measurement and an angiogenic factor result. Median bone lead was 3.8 ug/g (2.0 - 6.6) and median blood lead was 0.2 ug/dL (0.2 - 0.4). Incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 31%. When comparing the highest tertile of bone lead to the bottom two tertiles, there was no association with a high sFlt1/PlGF ratio or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Similar results were observed for the exposure of blood lead. CONCLUSIONS Lead exposure was not an important contributor to an elevated angiogenic factor ratio or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in our U.S. POPULATION However, lead exposure was modest in our population and we cannot exclude a relationship with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jessica M Hart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saira Salahuddin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, 99 Brookline Avenue, RN 359, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Adrienne L Erlinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alan D Woolf
- Pediatric Environmental Health Center, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, USA; Region 1 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Pediatric Environmental Health Center, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, USA; Region 1 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, 99 Brookline Avenue, RN 359, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Blair J Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Region 1 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen O'Brien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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