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Collado-López S, Burns KF, Smith SN, Kordas K, Desai G. Association between breakfast skipping and blood levels of lead and cadmium in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127468. [PMID: 38728997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research suggests that fasting increases lead absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and that regularly eating meals may reduce blood lead. However, there is insufficient evidence linking breakfast status and blood-metal levels in children. We assessed the cross-sectional association between breakfast consumption status and children and adolescent's blood levels of lead and cadmium. We also explored blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and age group as potential effect modifiers of these associations. METHODS This analysis included children and adolescents aged 6-17 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2013-2018 with complete data on breakfast consumption status (consumers vs. skippers), blood metals, and covariates (N=3722). Blood metal variables were log-transformed. Crude and covariate-adjusted, survey-weighted linear regression models were conducted for each blood metal outcome. Potential effect modification was explored using stratification. RESULTS Overall fewer participants reported skipping breakfast (n=719) than eating breakfast (n=3003). Mean (SE) concentrations of blood lead and cadmium (µg/L) were 0.63 (0.01) µg/dL and 0.13 (0.00) µg/L, respectively. Children and adolescents who skipped breakfast were more likely to be female (51.2%), older (mean 12.2 years, SE = 0.1), have a higher body mass index (mean 22.8 kg/m2, SE = 0.2), and a lower income-poverty ratio (mean 1.7, SE = 0.1) than breakfast consumers. No associations between breakfast consumption and any of the blood metals were found. When stratified by age (≤ 10, 11-13, and 14-17 years), children aged 11-13 years who consumed breakfast had lower log-transformed blood lead levels [β = -0.14 µg/L; 95% CI: (-0.25, -0.03)] compared to children of the same age who skipped breakfast. CONCLUSION Children 11-13 years-old who were breakfast consumers had lower blood lead levels compared to children of the same age who skipped breakfast. Our results support that encouraging breakfast consumption among school-age children may contribute to lower blood lead levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Collado-López
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico
| | - Kaelyn F Burns
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Samantha N Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Gauri Desai
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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Halabicky OM, Pinto-Martin JA, Compton P, Liu J. Low level lead exposure in early childhood and parental education on adolescent IQ and working memory: a cohort study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:168-176. [PMID: 35750750 PMCID: PMC9789207 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The independent effect of lead exposure and parental education on children's neurocognition is well-documented. However, few studies have examined the combined effect of childhood lead exposure and parental education on adolescent neurocognition, especially in China. OBJECTIVE Examine both the combined and interactive effect of childhood blood lead levels (BLLs) and parental education on early adolescent neurocognition. METHODS 417 children from a longitudinal cohort study in Jintan, China had BLLs measured at 3-5 years and 12 years, parental education levels assessed at 3-5 years, and neurocognitive outcomes tested at 12 years. RESULTS BLLs at 3-5 years were inversely associated with adolescent IQ (β -0.55 95% CI: -0.97, -0.13) but not working memory (β -0.06 95% CI: -0.23, 0.11) and parental education was positively associated with adolescent IQ (β 0.68 95% CI: 0.19, 1.17) and working memory (β 0.24 95% CI: 0.04, 0.44). BLLs and parental education evidenced combined effects on neurocognition, where children with higher BLLs and lower fathers' education had mean IQ scores 7.84 (95% CI: -13.15, -2.53) points lower than children with lower BLLs and higher fathers' education. There were significant associations between parental education and working memory, however, not with BLLs. The interaction between mother and father high school education and BLLs was insignificant for effects on IQ and working memory. SIGNIFICANCE Childhood lead exposure and parental education levels have a combined and long-term impact on IQ, evidence that may partially explain disparities in lead exposure associated outcomes and highlight those children at greatest risk for neurocognitive deficits. IMPACT STATEMENT Children continue to be exposed to low-levels of environmental lead in China and globally, warranting examination of the impact of such exposures. This paper demonstrates that even relatively low-level lead exposure in early childhood significantly influences adolescent neurocognitive functioning. Furthermore, co-existing social determinant of health-related variables, measured here as parental education, have a combined impact on neurocognition. These results highlight children at greater risk for neurocognitive deficits and demonstrate the need to examine the influence of lead exposure within the broader socio- ecological environment, as these factors work in tandem to influence longer-term neurocognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Halabicky
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Public, Health University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Pinto-Martin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peggy Compton
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Glenn AL, Li Y, Liu J. Association between lower-level of environmental lead exposure and reactive and proactive aggression in youth: Sex differences. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2023; 40:268-281. [PMID: 36662652 PMCID: PMC10234437 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2022.2157183] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure during childhood has been associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including antisocial/aggressive behavior. However, different subtypes of antisocial behavior have been found to have different neurobiological correlates, and it is unclear whether lead exposure is related to specific subtypes of aggressive behavior. The objective of the study was to examine relationships between childhood blood lead levels (BLL) and proactive and reactive aggression. Further, given prior findings of sex differences in the effects of lead exposure, we examine whether there are sex differences in these relationships. In a sample of 818 youth (47.2% girls) ages 10-13 in China, we assessed BLL and administered the Reactive Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Results show that BLLs were associated with reactive, but not proactive aggression. There was a significant interaction between BLL and sex in predicting aggression; boys with higher BLL scored higher in both proactive and reactive aggression than boys with lower BLL, but these differences were not present for girls. These findings suggest that lead exposure may have broad effects on antisocial behavior, but that boys may be more susceptible than girls. These findings may provide insights to identifying protective factors that could be potential targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Glenn
- University of Alabama, Center for Youth Development and Intervention, Department of Psychology, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Yuli Li
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Shandong University School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Jinan, Shandong, P.R.China
| | - Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Halabicky OM, Ji X, Gur RE, Gur RC, Yan C, Chen A, Liu J. Childhood lead exposure and sex-based neurobehavioral functioning in adolescence. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:1-8. [PMID: 35988749 PMCID: PMC10433489 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that childhood lead exposure is associated with long-term decreases in intelligence quotients (IQ). Lesser known is the relationship with neurobehavioral domains, especially in adolescence. This study sought to identify cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between lead exposure and adolescent executive and visual-motor functioning and examine sex-based differences. Participants were 681 children from Jintan, China who had their blood lead levels (BLLs) assessed at age 3-5 years and 12 years old and neurobehavioral functioning assessed through the University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) platform http://www.med.upenn.edu/bbl at 12 years old. Mean BLLs were 6.41 mcg/dl at age 3-5 years and 3.10 mcg/dl at 12. BLLs at 3-5 years and 12 years were used as predictors for the individual neurobehavioral domains in general linear models while controlling for father and mother occupation and education, residence location, age, and adolescent IQ. Models were run separately for males and females. In adjusted models, males BLLs at 3-5 years were associated with increased time to correctly complete tasks in multiple domains including abstraction/flexibility (β = 19.90, 95% CI( 4.26, 35.54) and spatial processing (β = 96.00, 95% CI 6.18, 185.82) at 12 years. For females in adjusted models, BLLs at 3-5 years were associated with increasing time to correctly complete tasks on the episodic memory domain task (β = 34.59, 95% CI 5.33, 63.84) at 12 years. Two adolescent cross-sectional relationships remained in the adjusted models for males only, suggesting a positive association between BLLs and increasing time for correct responses on the attentional domain task (β = 15.08, 95% CI 0.65, 29.51) and decreasing time for correct responses on the episodic memory task (β = -73.49, 95% CI -138.91, -8.06) in males at 12 years. These associations remained with and without controlling for IQ. These results suggest that lead exposure is associated with overall deficits in male and female neurobehavioral functioning, though in different domains and different timing of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaopeng Ji
- School of Nursing, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Raquel E Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Division of Environmental Science, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, USA
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Örün E, Yalçın SS, Aykut O. Lead, mercury, and cadmium levels in breast milk and infant hair in the late period of lactation in Ankara, Turkey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1950-1961. [PMID: 34092151 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1929872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) have known harmful effects on children's well-being. The object of this study was to measure the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) in breast milk and infant hair, connected environmental factors, and the impact on infant growth and development at 8 months. Seventy-four breast milk samples and 46 infant hair samples were analyzed. Cd, Pb, and Hg were detected in 99%, 91%, and 87% of breast milk samples, respectively. Cd levels were higher in the hair of infants in extended families, living in older houses and when there was a maternal history of anemia and postpartum anemia. Hg levels in breast milk were higher in Denver II suspicious/abnormal infants than in Denver II normal infants. Further biomonitoring studies and preventive measures should be conducted to minimize exposure to toxic metals in early childhood period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Örün
- Department of Pediatrics, Yüksek Ihtisas University, Liv Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Songül Yalçın
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Osman Aykut
- Analytic Toxicology Laboratory, Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Ankara, Turkey
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Rawat PS, Singh S, Mahdi AA, Mehrotra S. Environmental lead exposure and its correlation with intelligence quotient level in children. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 72:126981. [PMID: 35452890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous, naturally occurring heavy metal that has a neurotoxic effect on the CNS and causes a range of health problems in humans, including cognitive impairment. Its toxicity remains a worldwide health issue, especially in developing countries. In this study, we tend to investigate the relationship between Pb poisoning and sociodemographic status, intellectual and neurobehavioral capabilities of children. METHODS The background characteristics of the research subjects were collected via questionnaire. The study involved 43 children, aged from 4 to 12 years. Blood lead (BL) levels were analysed by using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV). Intelligence quotient (IQ) was another parameter that was assessed via using the Goodenough draw-A-person test in Pb exposed as well as control children. Although sociodemographic information was obtained in a questionnaire pattern from the parents. RESULTS The mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dL. BL levels were considerably higher with low social status (p < 0.05), maternal employment (p < 0.001) and the maximum time spent outdoors (p < 0.001). Source of water, age of subjects, type of house and kohl used by children was observed to be significantly correlated with BL levels i.e. (p < 0.05). IQ levels were decreased in a concentration dependent manner (p < 0.01). Negative correlations were found between BL levels and IQ levels (r = -0.963, <0.01). Girls were found to be higher IQ level than boys (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher socioeconomic status had a higher IQ level (p < 0.01) as compared to low. CONCLUSION BL levels were significantly associated with IQ levels. Sociodemographic characteristic was also found to be one of the risk factors that influenced the BL levels of children. Our investigations have demonstrated that the exposure of Pb severely affected the learning with memory, and the intelligence quotient of children, that is found inversely proportional in respect to BL levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushkar Singh Rawat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abbas Ali Mahdi
- Department of Biochemistry, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudhir Mehrotra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Halabicky OM, Pinto-Martin JA, Compton P, Liu J. Longitudinal association of early childhood lead exposure and adolescent heart rate variability: influence of parental education. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2022; 40:133-153. [PMID: 35895919 PMCID: PMC9339516 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2022.2060689] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure has been shown to dysregulate physiological stress responses. However, few studies have investigated the effect of lead exposure on later heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of a stress response, in large samples of children. Furthermore, the interaction between social environmental factors and lead exposure in childhood, which commonly co-occur, remains understudied. This study examined relationships between childhood lead exposure and early adolescent physiological stress responses at different levels of parental education. Participants were 406 children from Jintan, China. Blood lead levels (BLLs) and parental education data were collected at 3-5 years of age, and HRV outcomes assessed at 12 years via frequency domain measures (LF/HF ratio) collected during an induced stress test. Results show a significant interaction between parental education and BLLs at 3-5 years. This relationship was found to be most consistent for the interaction between BLLs and mother's years of education for both the planning (β = 0.12, p = 0.046) and speaking (β = 0.11, p = 0.043) phase of the stress task, suggesting that increasing years of mother's education may enhance the deleterious influence of lead exposure on the HRV frequency measure, LF/HF ratio. This research highlights the complexity in lead exposure induced outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A Pinto-Martin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peggy Compton
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Halabicky OM, Pinto-Martin JA, Compton P, Liu J. Early childhood lead exposure and adolescent heart rate variability: A longitudinal cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112551. [PMID: 34915034 PMCID: PMC9214828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a known neurotoxicant with many detrimental health effects, including neurocognitive deficits and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. However, few studies have tested the association between lead exposure and the physiological stress response, which in and of itself may act as a precursor to and/or underlying mechanism of detrimental health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of early childhood and early adolescent low-level lead exposure on early adolescent heart rate variability, a widely-used measure of physiological stress. Participants were 408 children from Jintan, China for whom blood lead levels were measured between 3 and 5 years (early childhood) and again at 12 years (early adolescence). Heart rate variability was assessed at 12 years while participants underwent an induced stress task utilizing the ratio of low to high frequency (LF/HF) ECG measures. Mean blood lead levels in the cohort were 6.63 mcg/dl and 3.10 mcg/dl at 3-5 years and 12 years, respectively. Blood lead levels at 3-5 years of age (β 0.06, p = 0.027), but not at age 12 (β -0.05, p = 0.465), were significantly associated with LF/HF measures while controlling for multiple sociodemographic variables, potentially reflecting a dysregulated stress response with a shift towards sympathetic dominance. These findings suggest that early childhood lead exposure may have a detrimental influence on early adolescent autonomic responses to acute stress, which holds implications for cardiovascular health and overall growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Halabicky
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Pinto-Martin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 34th & Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Peggy Compton
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd. Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Liu J, Portnoy J, Raine A, Gladieux M, McGarry P, Chen A. Blood lead levels mediate the relationship between social adversity and child externalizing behavior. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112396. [PMID: 34801542 PMCID: PMC10117419 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The association between social adversity and externalizing behavioral problems in children is well-documented. What is much less researched are biological mechanisms that may mediate such relationships. This study examines the hypothesis that low blood lead mediates the relationship between social adversity and child externalizing behavior problems. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, participants were 131 children aged 11-12 years (mean = 11.90) from Philadelphia, US. A venous fasting blood sample was taken and analyzed for blood lead levels. A social adversity index was calculated based on 10 total indicators derived from a psychosocial interview of the parent and official neighborhood data, while child behavior outcomes (internalizing and externalizing behavior) were assessed using both parent-report and child self-report. RESULTS The mean blood lead level was 2.20 μg/dL. Both relatively higher blood lead levels and higher social adversity scores were associated with higher levels of parent-reported and child self-reported externalizing behaviors. Additionally, blood lead mediated the relationship between social adversity and child-reported externalizing behavior (Indirect effect: B = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.09) and partially mediated the relationship between social adversity and parent-reported externalizing behavior (Indirect Effect: B = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this study is the first to suggest that blood lead levels play a mediating role in the relationship between externalizing behavior problems and social adversity. Findings have potentially important implications for public health and environmental regulation as well as understanding biological mechanisms that link social inequality with health outcomes, especially in youth from low-income, urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing 418 Curie Blvd., Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jill Portnoy
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Adrian Raine
- University of Pennsylvania, Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, 3718 Locust Walk, McNeil Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Margaret Gladieux
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing 418 Curie Blvd., Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Presley McGarry
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Aimin Chen
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Liu Y, Xu C, Liu F, Xiao G, Zhou S, Huang L, Lin N, Li J, Chen D, Fu Q, Wang H, Du Q. Uneven development of the lead industry leads to regional differences in blood lead levels of children. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 293:118504. [PMID: 34793906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposure to lead is a global health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, research on the relationship between children's blood lead levels (BLLs) and the development of the lead industry is still limited. This study examined whether children's BLLs were associated with the development of lead industry in different regions. Using survey data on the BLLs of children living in 250 prefectures in China with corresponding data on their economic factors and lead industries, we explored the regional variation of children's BLLs using statistical methods. The results show that the level of economic development in leaded areas was associated with inequity in children's BLLs and met the environmental Kuznets hypothesis. In areas without lead industries, there was little correlation between the level of economic development and the BLLs of children and thus the environmental Kuznets hypothesis was not supported. Lead mines, lead smelting and chemical companies are major sources of blood lead in children living in leaded areas. This study demonstrated the success of control policies for lead-acid battery manufacturers in promoting the prevention and control of childhood lead poisoning in China. China should consciously support the improvement of children's BLLs in undeveloped areas with lead industries through national financing and policies to avoid the continuous effects of the regional inequality problem of high children's BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China; China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Chengdong Xu
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Feiyan Liu
- Institute of Complexity Science & Big Data Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Gexin Xiao
- National Institute of Hospital Administration, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Shaoqi Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liming Huang
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Ni Lin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Jianyi Li
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Dong Chen
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Qi Fu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Qingfeng Du
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528200, China.
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Blood Lead Levels and Associated Sociodemographic Factors among Children Aged 3 to 14 Years Living near Zinc and Lead Mines in Two Provinces in Vietnam. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5597867. [PMID: 34327230 PMCID: PMC8277519 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5597867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lead poisoning in children is a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 403 children aged from 3 to 14 years living nearly zinc–lead mining areas in two provinces in Vietnam (Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen) from 06/2016 to 10/2016 to identify risk factors for lead contamination. Results. The proportion of children with blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥ 10 μg/dL was 80.51% in Bac Kan and 50% in Thai Nguyen; the mean blood lead level for children was 14.41 ± 9.42 μg/dL. In linear regression analyses, the body mass index was negatively associated with elevated BLLs with r = −0.404, p < 0.05 (95% CI: -0.801, -0.006). In multivariable regression analysis, several risk factors were associated with lead contamination including male sex (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.13-5.24, p = 0.02), play areas in Bac Kan (aOR = 2.3 (1.02-5.17), p = 0.04), proximity of children's home of less than 2 kilometers from the mine (aOR = 2.90 (1.54-5.44), p = 0.001), and inattentive symptoms in Thai Nguyen (aOR = 7.85, 95% CI 3.49-17.69, p = 0.001). Environmental factors, including lead concentrations in the soil and ambient air samples in both locations, are many times higher than Vietnamese standards.
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Segev T, Harvey AP, Ajmani A, Johnson C, Longfellow W, Vandiver KM, Hemond H. A case study in participatory science with mutual capacity building between university and tribal researchers to investigate drinking water quality in rural Maine. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110460. [PMID: 33217437 PMCID: PMC7787195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participatory science or citizen science is increasingly being recognized for providing benefits to scientists and community members alike. However, most participatory science projects include community researchers only in the sample collection phase of the research project. Here we describe how a rural tribal community and urban university utilized participatory science methods to engage community researchers across an entire research study, creating numerous opportunities for mutual capacity building. OBJECTIVES Researchers from MIT and the Sipayik Environmental Department, a tribal government department, partnered to co-launch a participatory science project to analyze municipal and private well drinking water quality in households in three Maine communities. The objective was to provide households with information about metals, primarily lead and arsenic, in their drinking water, and to improve public education, community partnerships, and local scientific capacity. METHODS MIT and Sipayik researchers engaged local communities through public community meetings, mailed flyers sent to residents, and meetings with local stakeholders. MIT and community researchers worked together to design and implement the study to quantify metals in community drinking water samples, as well as hold capacity-building trainings. Individual drinking water results were communicated to households, and generalized results were discussed at community meetings in the report-back phase. RESULTS The study attained a 29% household participation rate in the region. The researchers completed the analysis and report-back on 652 water samples. Isolated incidences of lead and geologically-attributable arsenic exceeding EPA standards were found. Individual report-backs of the results enabled local participatory scientists to make their own informed public health decisions. The study produced methodologies for navigating potential ethical issues, working with diverse communities, and collaborating over challenging geographical distances. DISCUSSION This project developed methodologies to build long-term relationships with local scientists and to engage community members and enhance the environmental literacy of rural communities. Both MIT and Sipayik researchers learned from each other throughout the project; Sipayik researchers built technical capacity while MIT researchers gained local and cultural understanding. Community outreach methods were most effective when sent directly to residents as mailed flyers or through Sipayik researchers' outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tchelet Segev
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS) and MIT Superfund Research Program, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Abigail P Harvey
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS) and MIT Superfund Research Program, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Asha Ajmani
- Sipayik Environmental Department, Passamaquoddy Tribal Government, Pleasant Point, Maine, USA
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Sipayik Environmental Department, Passamaquoddy Tribal Government, Pleasant Point, Maine, USA
| | - William Longfellow
- Sipayik Environmental Department, Passamaquoddy Tribal Government, Pleasant Point, Maine, USA
| | - Kathleen M Vandiver
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS) and MIT Superfund Research Program, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Harold Hemond
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS) and MIT Superfund Research Program, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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(Ascorb)ing Pb Neurotoxicity in the Developing Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121311. [PMID: 33371438 PMCID: PMC7767447 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role in maintaining redox homeostasis in physiological and physio-pathological brain states. Furthermore, because of its capacity to chelate metal ions, ascorbic acid may particularly serve as a potent therapeutic agent in Pb poisoning. The present review first discusses the major consequences of Pb exposure in children and then proceeds to present evidence from human and animal studies for ascorbic acid as an efficient ameliorative supplemental nutrient in Pb poisoning, with a particular focus on developmental Pb neurotoxicity. In doing so, it is hoped that there is a revitalization for further research on understanding the brain functions of this essential, safe, and readily available vitamin in physiological states, as well to justify and establish it as an effective neuroprotective and modulatory factor in the pathologies of the nervous system, including developmental neuropathologies.
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Lee E, Park B, Chung WY, Park JE, Hwang SC, Park KJ, Sheen SS, Ahn SV, Park JB, Ahn CM, Lee SH, Kim JY, Chun EM, Park YS, Yoo KH, Yoon HK, Park JH. Blood lead levels in relation to smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a study from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:3135-3147. [PMID: 32642235 PMCID: PMC7330752 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-20-739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Lead exposure is a resurgent environmental issue globally. Smoking can be a source of lead exposure, although the majority of lead poisonings originate from workplace exposures. However, no study has been undertaken concerning the blood lead levels based on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking status, and other risk factors of COPD. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the blood lead levels according to COPD and clinical variables associated with COPD. Methods Data (total number =53,829) were collected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (IV in 2008 and 2009, V in 2010–2012, and VI in 2013). Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine variables associated with elevated blood lead levels. Results Univariate regression analysis showed that male sex, older age, smoking, occupation level, income level, education level, and presence of COPD were related to higher blood lead levels, whereas the other co-morbidities including diabetes, hypertension, cerebral stroke, osteoporosis, asthma, and depression were not related (P<0.05). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that older age, male sex, smoking, occupation, and education level were independently associated with higher blood lead levels (P<0.05). Conclusions Smoking status, occupation, and education level along with old age and male sex were independently associated with higher blood lead levels; however, COPD was not after adjustment of all confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhee Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Young Chung
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Chul Hwang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Joo Park
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Soo Sheen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Vogue Ahn
- Department of Health Convergence, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Bum Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Min Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Haak Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yeol Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Mi Chun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sik Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Ha Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Kyu Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hun Park
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Cindi MD, Mbonane TP, Naicker N. Study protocol to examine the relationship between environmental exposure to lead and blood lead levels among children from day-care centres in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036687. [PMID: 32474431 PMCID: PMC7264638 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especially 5-year-olds. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been associated with their daily surrounding environment. This protocol seeks to evaluate the association between environmental lead exposure and BLLs among children in day-care centres, including household and other risk factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To achieve the objectives of the study, we adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyser was used for environmental sampling, and BLLs were determined using the LeadCare II machine among preschool children. Household and other risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Random sampling was employed to select day-care centres in the municipality and children in each day-care centre. Data will be analysed using SPSS V. 26. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval and permission were obtained prior to commencement of the study. The researcher intends to publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and also to present a paper at a scientific conference. The study will generate information on environmental lead exposure among vulnerable children (2-5 years), and it will promote public health action to prevent long-term exposure in day-care centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbalenhle Desiree Cindi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Thokozani Patrick Mbonane
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nisha Naicker
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Gauteng, South Africa
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute of Occupational Health, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Martini CN, Sosa FN, Fuchs J, Vila MDC. Effect of lead on proliferation, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:158-163. [PMID: 32670547 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is an environmental and industrial contaminant that still represents a public health problem. In this paper, we investigated the effect of Pb on proliferation, lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells in exponentially growing 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, a cell line previously used to evaluate different environmental contaminants. We found that Pb (10 μM or higher) was able to inhibit proliferation of exponentially growing cells after 24-h treatment, which was evaluated by the MTT assay and cell counting in Neubauer chamber, but cell survival was not affected according to the trypan blue exclusion assay. On the other hand, Pb was able to increase lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells, which are indicative of oxidative stress and genotoxic damage respectively. We also found that removal of Pb after 24-h treatment allowed cells to recover proliferation. Our results indicate that Pb was able to induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity in this cell line under standardized conditions, which supports the involvement of Pb in similar effects observed in human exposed to this heavy metal. In addition, Pb inhibits proliferation of exponentially growing fibroblasts but cells resume proliferation after removal of this metal, which suggests that it is important to move away Pb-exposed individuals from the source of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Noemi Martini
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Nicolás Sosa
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio Fuchs
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET-Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Del Carmen Vila
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET-Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Li MM, Gao ZY, Dong CY, Wu MQ, Yan J, Cao J, Ma WJ, Wang J, Gong YL, Xu J, Cai SZ, Chen JY, Xu SQ, Tong S, Tang D, Zhang J, Yan CH. Contemporary blood lead levels of children aged 0-84 months in China: A national cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105288. [PMID: 31765862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the global abundance of studies on children's lead (Pb) exposure, the magnitude of Pb exposure among children across China remains unclear, especially for rural areas. In 2000, Pb was removed from petrol, marking a change in the sources of Pb exposure in China. To better understand children's Pb exposure and inform potential approaches to exposure reduction, we conducted a national blood Pb survey of 31,373 children (0-84 months old) from May 2013 to March 2015, using a multi-stage and multi-strata sampling method. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were tested using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with a detection limit of 1 µg/L. The results show that Chinese children had a contemporary geometric mean (GM) BLL of 26.7 μg/L, with 8.6% of BLLs exceeding 50 µg/L. Boys had higher BLLs (GM 27.2 μg/L) compared to girls (GM: 25.9 μg/L) (p < 0.001). Children at the age of 0-36 months had a lower PbB (GM 25.7 μg/L) level compared with those aged 36-84 months (GM 27.9 μg/L) (p < 0.001). When taking into account sociodemographic factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that the odds ratios (OR) of having a BLL of 27 µg/dL (i.e., median BLL of this study) or higher were 1.88 (95% CI: 1.76, 2.02) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.49) for homes using coal and biomass fuels, respectively, compared to those using gas or electricity. Meanwhile, children in homes close to roads were more likely to have BLLs exceeding 27 µg/dL (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.20). In China, rural children had higher BLLs compared to urban children. As a result of pediatric exposure to Pb, there were approximately 144 million and 36 million IQ points lost for rural children and urban children, respectively, revealing a disparity of Pb exposure between rural and urban areas in China. Cleaner domestic fuels and improved cooking/heating equipment will reduce contemporary Pb exposure in rural areas. In addition, the association between contemporary BLLs and distance away from roads further suggests that resuspension of legacy soil/dust Pb should not be neglected in future remediation programs and household interventions. As a large scale survey, this study provides evidence for revising the reference value of BLL, improving the guideline for clinical and public health management, and implementing interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes associated with low-level Pb exposure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ming Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Children's Health Department, Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Zhen-Yan Gao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Chen-Yin Dong
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Mei-Qin Wu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jin Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jia Cao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Wen-Juan Ma
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ju Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ying-Liang Gong
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jian Xu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shi-Zhong Cai
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jing-Yuan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Shun-Qing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Shilu Tong
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Pudong, Shanghai 200127, PR China; Institute of Environment and Population Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, 4056 QLD, Australia
| | - Deliang Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Safi JM, Yassin MM, El-Nahhal YZ, Abed YA, Safi MJ, Suleiman HD. Childhood lead poisoning in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 54:118-125. [PMID: 31109601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess lead poisoning among a pediatric population in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority. METHODS A total of 1705 questionnaires and blood samples were collected from children aged 2-6 years, by the finger stick capillary procedure, for the assessment of blood lead level (BLL), using the LeadCare kits. The samples were collected from children living close to lead processing units (hotspots) and far 100-500 m away (general population). Management of elevated BLL was achieved by gavage of chelating agent d-penicillamine at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 body weight/day for two weeks for children having BLL above 20 μg/dl. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS computer program version 22. RESULTS Distribution of children in Gaza Strip by sampling process illustrated those 326 children (19.1%) living in lead processing units (hot spots) and 1379 children (80.9%) from location far away 100-500 m from host spot (general population). The mean BLL was 10.4 μg/dl. A total of 440 children (25.8%) were found to be having BLL ≥ 10 μg/dl while 1265 children (74.2%) have BLL < 10 μg/dl. BLL < 10 μg/dl was taken as a cut point due to CDC standards. The prevalence of BLL in hotspot areas in children who were exposed to lead and have BLL ≥ 10 μg/dl was 95.7% while in general population it was 9.3%. The difference between the study population was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Statistical significant differences between the study populations were found among several independent variables of risk factors such as household location and exposure sources, and occupational exposure. Gavage of d-penicillamine significantly reduced BLL to the acceptable level (BLL < 10 μg/dl). CONCLUSIONS Childhood lead poisoning accounts for a substantial burden in Gaza Strip. Hotspots of lead-related industries are the high risk areas that contributing to high BLLs in children. d-Penicillamine was effective in the treatment of lead poisoning among children. Health education and treatment campaigns should be designed to minimize or prevent childhood lead poisoning in Gaza Strip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal M Safi
- Environmental Protection and Research Institute, Gaza Strip, Palestine; Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Maged M Yassin
- Environmental Protection and Research Institute, Gaza Strip, Palestine; Faculty of Medicine, The Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Yasser Z El-Nahhal
- Environmental Protection and Research Institute, Gaza Strip, Palestine; Faculty of Science, The Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Yehia A Abed
- College of Public Health, Al Quds University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Mohamed J Safi
- Environmental Protection and Research Institute, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Hassan D Suleiman
- Environmental Protection and Research Institute, Gaza Strip, Palestine
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Chronic Lead Exposure Results in Auditory Deficits and Disruption of Hair Cells in Postweaning Rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:4289169. [PMID: 31217838 PMCID: PMC6536999 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4289169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective The effects of lead exposure on cognitive function have been studied intensively over the past decade, but less attention has focused on its impact on auditory function. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of lead on the cochlea and the molecular mechanisms responsible for its actions. Methods 0.2% lead acetate was administered to rats in drinking water for 30, 60, and 90 days. Brainstem auditory evoked responses (ABR) were recorded, and morphological changes in the hair cells were observed. We also measured glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in the cochlea. Results Lead exposure increased the ABR threshold and slightly prolonged the latencies of wave II and wave IV in rats. Abnormally shaped hair cells and loss of hair cells were found in the cochlea basilar membrane, together with degenerative changes in spiral ganglion neurons following lead exposure. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes were also reduced in association with upregulation of MDA expression. These effects may be caused by impaired catalytic function of the enzymes as a result of lead interaction. Conclusion The antioxidant system of the cochlea in the immature rat brain is highly vulnerable to developmental lead exposure. Oxidative stress may therefore represent a possible mechanism for lead-induced auditory deficits.
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Taji W, Mandell B, Liu J. China's urban-rural childhood cognitive divide: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study after a 6-year follow up. INTELLIGENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Aly SM, Omran A, Abdalla MO, Gaulier JM, El-Metwally D. Lead: a hidden "untested" risk in neonatal blood transfusion. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:50-54. [PMID: 30297876 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonates may be exposed to lead (Pb) through blood transfusions from donors. Pb exposure has neurological, cardiovascular, renal, and other adverse effects. The study aimed to (i) determine the blood lead levels (BLLs) in different blood product units (whole blood, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, and plasma transfused to neonates) and (ii) estimate the proportion of units with high BLLs. METHODS Residual blood from blood bank bags that were used for neonatal transfusion were collected: 25 samples from each type of blood product except for whole blood (10 samples). The Pb analysis was performed using the atomic absorption method. The study was conducted at the Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt. RESULTS The mean of BLL in pRBCs, platelets, plasma, and whole blood were 136, 199, 108, and 130 µg/L, respectively; 60% contained Pb above 50 µg/L. The highest BLLs were in platelet units. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed for the first time that platelets and plasma in addition to whole blood and pRBCs used for neonatal transfusions are sources of Pb. Re-evaluation of the guidelines is mandatory for the safety of the neonates. Long-term neurodevelopment assessment of neonates exposed to high Pb is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa Mohamed Aly
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Omran
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Osama Abdalla
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Dina El-Metwally
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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How Does Low Socioeconomic Status Increase Blood Lead Levelsin KoreanChildren? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071488. [PMID: 30011877 PMCID: PMC6068902 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although studies have shown that a low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with high blood lead levels (BLLs) in children, the mechanism underlying this observation is not well known. To determine how SES influences BLLs via environmental factors in Korean children, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 4744 children aged 5–13 years. Questionnaires on sociodemographic information, environmental factors, and food consumption were administered to the children’s parents. BLLs in the study subjects were measured.The complete set of hypothesized associations was assessed using regression analysis and structural equation modeling. SES was associated with high BLLs. The total effects of nutritional factors, lead in the air and total length of nearby roads, and agriculture on BLLs were −0.062 (p < 0.001), 0.068 (p = 0.005), and 0.038 (p = 0.035), respectively. The direct effects of playing outdoors and SES on BLLs were 0.113 (p < 0.001) and −0.111 (p < 0.001), respectively. Although playing outdoors had a greater direct effect on BLLs than did SES, the total effect of SES (standardized β = −0.132, p < 0.001) was greater than that of other sources owing to indirect effects (β = −0.020, p = 0.004). A low SES was a major risk factor for elevated BLLs via environmental factors.
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Havens D, Pham MH, Karr CJ, Daniell WE. Blood Lead Levels and Risk Factors for Lead Exposure in a Pediatric Population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15010093. [PMID: 29316694 PMCID: PMC5800192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although lead recycling activities are a known risk factor for elevated blood levels in South East Asia, little is known regarding the prevalence of and risk factors for elevated blood lead levels (BLL) among the general pediatric population in Vietnam. This study is a cross-sectional evaluation of 311 children from Children’s Hospital #2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Capillary blood lead testing was performed using the LeadCare II. Mean BLLs were 4.97 μg/dL (Standard Deviation (SD) 5.50), with 7% of the participants having levels greater than 10 μg/dL. Living in Bing Duong province (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.6.1) or the Dong Nai province (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.1) and having an age greater than 12 months (OR 6.0, 95% CI 3.1–11.8) were associated with higher BLLs. The prevalence of elevated BLLs in Vietnam is consistent with other SE Asian countries. Mean BLLs in Ho Chi Minh City are markedly less than those seen in a separate study of children living near lead recycling activities. Additional evaluation is necessary to better detail potential risk factors if screening is to be implemented within Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Havens
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Minh Hong Pham
- Children's Hospital #2, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - William E Daniell
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Sun D, Cao J, Zhang Y, Huo X. Alteration of the number and percentage of innate immune cells in preschool children from an e-waste recycling area. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 145:615-622. [PMID: 28806563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are widespread environmental contaminants and exert detrimental effects on the immune system. We evaluated the association between Pb/Cd exposures and innate immune cells in children from an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling area. A total number of 294 preschool children were recruited, including 153 children from Guiyu (e-waste exposed group), and 141 from Haojiang (reference group). Pb and Cd levels in peripheral blood were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, NK cell percentages were detected by flow cytometer, and other innate immune cells including monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils were immediately measured by automated hematology analyzer. Results showed children in Guiyu had significantly higher Pb and Cd levels than in reference group. Absolute counts of monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils, as well as percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly higher in the Guiyu group. In contrast, NK cell percentages were significantly lower in Guiyu group. Pb elicited significant escalation in counts of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, as well as percentages of monocytes, but decline in percentages of neutrophils in different quintiles with respect to the first quintile of Pb concentrations. Cd induced significant increase in counts and percentages of neutrophils in the highest quintile compared with the first quintile of Cd concentrations. We concluded alteration of the number and percentage of innate immune cells are linked to higher levels of Pb and Cd, which indicates Pb and Cd exposures might affect the innate and adaptive immune response in Guiyu children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Sun
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjun Cao
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangzhou and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Chaudhary S, Firdaus U, Ali SM, Mahdi AA. Factors Associated With Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children. Indian Pediatr 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-018-1225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To determine the prevalence and correlates of elevated blood lead level in children (6-144 months) of Aligarh.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Venous blood was obtained for lead estimation and a structured questionnaire was filled.
Results
A total of 260 children were enrolled. The prevalence of elevated blood lead level was 44.2%, seen mostly in children below 5 years of age. Old and deteriorating wall paints at home was found to be significantly associated with elevated levels.
Conclusions
Lead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure. Meticulous renovation and painting of the walls with safe paints is desirable.
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Panahandeh G, Khoshdel A, Heidarian E, Amiri M, Rahiminam H. Blood Lead Levels in Children of Southwest Iran, Aged 2-6 Years and Associated Factors. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:SC01-SC04. [PMID: 28892989 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/25370.10198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead is one of the toxic metals that can cause several complications in children. AIM This study was conducted to determine Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) in healthy children and its association with individual and environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 262 healthy children aged 2-6 years in Shahrekord, Southwest Iran in 2013. After taking serum samples from the children, the checklists of effective environmental factors on lead toxicity were completed after interviewing the parents. BLLs were determined by ICP-MS. Data were analysed by descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square and ANOVA) in SPSS 16. RESULTS BLLs ranged 0.4-52.8 (mean: 6.9±7.9) ng/ml. BLL was significantly associated with father's education level, house colour damage, canned food use and soil eating (p<0.05), but not with age, gender, economic status, proximity to factory and kohl use (p>0.05). CONCLUSION BLL can cause serious health risks for children in Shahrekord and is associated with certain risk factors. It is necessary to screen for these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Panahandeh
- Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Khoshdel
- Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran
| | - Esfandiar Heidarian
- Professor, Clinical biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran
| | - Masoud Amiri
- Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Shahrekord University of Medical, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran
| | - Hadis Rahiminam
- General Practitioner, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran
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Martini CN, Gabrielli M, Bonifacino G, Codesido MM, Vila MDC. Lead enhancement of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts differentiation to adipocytes involves ERK, C/EBPβ and PPARγ activation. Mol Cell Biochem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3093-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Shi Z, Zhen S, Orsini N, Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Liu J, Taylor AW. Association between dietary lead intake and 10-year mortality among Chinese adults. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:12273-12280. [PMID: 28357790 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood lead level is associated with increased risk of mortality, but dietary lead exposure and mortality, particularly with cancer, has not been studied in the general population. The objective of the study was to assess the association between lead intake and 10-year mortality among 2832 Chinese adults. Food intake was measured by 3-day weighed food record in 2002. We documented 184 deaths (63 cancer deaths and 70 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths) during 27,742 person-years of follow-up. Dietary lead intake was positively associated with cancer and all-cause mortality. Across quartiles of lead intake, hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer mortality were 1.00, 0.80 (0.33-1.92), 1.52 (0.65-3.56), and 3.00 (1.06-8.44) (p for trend 0.028). HRs for all-cause mortality were 1.00, 1.28 (0.83-1.98), 1.24 (0.78-1.97), and 2.24 (1.28-3.94) (p for trend 0.011). Each 30 μg/day increase of lead intake was associated with 25% (95% CI 3-52%) increase of all-cause mortality. There was an interaction between lead intake and hypertension in relation to CVD mortality (p for interaction 0.003): HRs conferred by every 30 μg/day of lead intake were 1.57 (0.98-2.52) and 1.06 (0.81-1.39) among those with or without hypertension. Dietary lead intake was positively related to cancer and all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumin Shi
- Department of Nutrition and Foodborne Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China.
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, L7 SAHMRI, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, 122 Frome Street, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
| | - Shiqi Zhen
- Department of Nutrition and Foodborne Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Nicola Orsini
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yonglin Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Foodborne Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijing Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Foodborne Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anne W Taylor
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, L7 SAHMRI, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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Pelc W, Pawlas N, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk S. Environmental and socioeconomic factors contributing to elevated blood lead levels in children from an industrial area of Upper Silesia. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:2597-2603. [PMID: 26990966 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study concentrated on a cross-sectional analysis of recent exposure to lead (Pb) and the socioeconomic factors behind increased Pb exposure in Polish children. Lead is one of the most widespread toxic heavy metals in the industrial region of Upper Silesia (Poland). Elevated blood Pb levels in children continue to be a matter of serious concern. The present study involved 4882 children from the Upper Silesia region, aged from 3 yr to 18 yr, over the calendar years 1999 to 2013. The concentration of Pb in blood was determined in each child. The children's parents were asked to answer survey questions about the child's environmental exposure to Pb as well as the socioeconomic condition of the family. Factors that correspond with increased exposure to Pb included: lower level of education of parents, unemployment, parents' occupational Pb exposure, poor socioeconomic status of the family, smoking at home, living on the ground floor of buildings, consumption of locally grown vegetables and fruits, longer outdoor playing periods in a polluted environment, and male gender. Environmental exposure to Pb is the most important factor behind chronic poisoning of children in Upper Silesia. The most important socioeconomic factor associated with concentrations of Pb in children's blood is a lower level of education of a child's mother and father. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2597-2603. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Pelc
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Natalia Pawlas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Li Y, Qin J, Wei X, Li C, Wang J, Jiang M, Liang X, Xia T, Zhang Z. The Risk Factors of Child Lead Poisoning in China: A Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E296. [PMID: 27005641 PMCID: PMC4808959 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13030296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the risk factors of child lead poisoning in China. METHODS A document retrieval was performed using MeSH (Medical subject heading terms) and key words. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the studies, and the pooled odd ratios with a 95% confidence interval were used to identify the risk factors. We employed Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 10.0 to analyze the data. Heterogeneity was assessed by both the Chi-square and I² tests, and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS Thirty-four articles reporting 13,587 lead-poisoned children met the inclusion criteria. Unhealthy lifestyle and behaviors, environmental pollution around the home and potential for parents' occupational exposure to lead were risk factors of child lead poisoning in the pooled analyses. Our assessments yielded no severe publication biases. CONCLUSIONS Seventeen risk factors are associated with child lead poisoning, which can be used to identify high-risk children. Health education and promotion campaigns should be designed in order to minimize or prevent child lead poisoning in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Jian Qin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Chunhong Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Meiyu Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Xue Liang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Tianlong Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road No.22, Nanning 530021, China.
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Zhang M, Guang S, Zhai R, Liu J, Guang H, Chen D, Li B, Zhang S. The blood lead levels of outpatients aged 1-18 years from Lu'an, China, 2012-2014. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 33:48-53. [PMID: 26653743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate blood lead levels (BLLs) and possible influencing factors among children and adolescents in Lu'an, we collected blood samples of 3266 outpatients aged 1-18 years from January 2012 to December 2014 and BLLs were determined by atomizer absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the geometric mean (GM) of BLLs was 29.53μg/L (95% CI: 29.00-30.06μg/L) and the prevalence of BLLs ≥50 and 100μg/L were 17.7% and 0.2%, respectively. The GM BLLs and prevalence of BLLs ≥50μg/L were increased with age before 7 years old and then slightly decreased, and, contrary to previous studies, they were the highest at Jan-Feb and the lowest at Sep-Oct. From 2012 to 2014, the GM BLLs were significantly increased (P<0.001) while the prevalence of BLLs ≥50μg/L was decreased but with no significant difference (P>0.05). These results suggested that although the BLLs of Lu'an children were lower than most areas of China and several neighboring cities as previously reported, they were still higher than that of developed countries. Meanwhile, the GM BLLs of children and adolescents from Lu'an have a trend of increase in recent years. A lot of future works need to be done to identify the risk factors for lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichun Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shengfang Guang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Zhai
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Chen
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Benzhong Li
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Songtao Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an 237005, People's Republic of China
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Liu J, Liu X, Pak V, Wang Y, Yan C, Pinto-Martin J, Dinges D. Early Blood Lead Levels and Sleep Disturbance in Preadolescence. Sleep 2015; 38:1869-74. [PMID: 26194570 PMCID: PMC4667382 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.5230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Little is known about the effect of lead exposure on children's sleep. This study examined the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and sleep problems in a longitudinal study of children. SETTING Four community-based elementary schools in Jintan City, China. PARTICIPANTS 1,419 Chinese children. MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS BLL were measured when children were aged 3-5 y, and sleep was assessed at ages 9-13 y. Sleep was assessed by both parents' report, using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and children's report, using an adolescent sleep questionnaire. A total of 665 children with complete data on BLL and sleep at both ages were included in the current study. Mean age of the sample at BLL assessment was 4.74 y (standard deviation [SD] = 0.89) and at sleep assessment was 11.05 y (SD = 0.88). Mean BLL was 6.26 μg/dL (SD = 2.54). There were significant positive correlations between BLL and 3 CSHQ subscales: Sleep onset delay (r = 0.113, P < 0.01), sleep duration (r = 0.139, P < 0.001), and night waking (r = 0.089, P < 0.05). Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) (26.1% versus 9.0%, P < 0.001) and use of sleeping pills (6.5% versus 1.8%, P = 0.03) were more prevalent in children BLL ≥ 10.0 μg/dL than in those children BLL < 10.0 μg/dL. After adjusting for demographics, BLL ≥ 10.0 μg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk for insomnia symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-3.95) and EDS (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.27-6.61). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that elevated blood lead levels in early childhood are associated with increased risk for sleep problems and excessive daytime sleepiness in later childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan, China
| | - Victoria Pak
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yingjie Wang
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Xinhua Hospital, MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China
| | | | - David Dinges
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Kapitsinou A, Soldatou A, Tsitsika A, Kossiva L, Tsentidis C, Nisianakis P, Theocharis S, Garoufi A. Risk factors for elevated blood lead levels among children aged 6-36 months living in Greece. Child Care Health Dev 2015; 41:1199-206. [PMID: 25968465 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood lead poisoning remains a critical environmental health concern because even low blood lead levels (BLLs) can result in permanent adverse health effects. Social factors and living conditions have been correlated with BLLs. There is no recent survey about the prevalence of elevated BLLs among children in Greece. The purpose of this study was to assess BLLs among children aged 6-36 months born and living in Greece and to evaluate their association with demographic, socio-economic and housing conditions. METHODS In a cross-sectional hospital-based study including 814 randomly selected children aged 6-36 months, BLLs and haematological parameters were evaluated. A questionnaire investigating demographic and socio-economic conditions was completed in all children. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA for Windows v.8.5, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The mean BLLs of the population were 2.78 (SD = 2.34) µg/dl, and the median was 2.02 µg/dl; 11.7% had BLLs above 5 µg/dl, while 15 children (1.8%) exceeded 10 µg/dl. Being a toddler, being Roma or Asian, living in an industrial/low-income neighbourhood or in an old house, using traditional herbs and/or spices and having a mother with a manual occupation were independent risk factors for elevated BLLs. CONCLUSION Lead exposure remains a threat for optimal health especially for toddlers and children of socio-economically disadvantaged families living in Greece. A nationwide survey to assess lead exposure in children is necessary to guide prevention governmental policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kapitsinou
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Soldatou
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Tsitsika
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - L Kossiva
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ch Tsentidis
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P Nisianakis
- Chemical Laboratory, Center of Biological Research of Armed Forces, Athens, Greece
| | - S Theocharis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Garoufi
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Liu J, Cao S, Chen Z, Raine A, Hanlon A, Ai Y, Zhou G, Yan C, Leung PW, McCauley L, Pinto-Martin J. Cohort Profile Update: The China Jintan Child Cohort Study. Int J Epidemiol 2015; 44:1548, 1548a-1548al. [PMID: 26323725 PMCID: PMC4707195 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The China Jintan Child Cohort study began in 2004 with 1656 pre-school participants and a research focus on studying the impact of environmental exposures, such as lead, on children's neurobehavioural outcomes. This population cohort now includes around 1000 of the original participants, who have been assessed three times over a period of 10 years. Since the original IJE cohort profile publication in 2010, participants have experienced a critical developmental transition from pre-school to school age and then adolescence. The study has also witnessed an increase in breadth and depth of data collection from the original aim of risk assessment. This cohort has added new directions to investigate the mechanisms and protective factors for the relationship between early health factors and child physical and mental health outcomes, with an emphasis on neurobehavioural consequences. The study now encompasses 11 domains, composed of repeated measures of the original variables and new domains of biomarkers, sleep, psychophysiology, neurocognition, personality, peer relationship, mindfulness and family dynamics. Depth of evaluation has increased from parent/teacher report to self/peer report and intergenerational family report. Consequently, the cohort has additional directions to include: (i) classmates of the original cohort participants for peer relationship assessment; and (ii) parental and grandparental measures to assess personality and dynamics within families. We welcome interest in our study and ask investigators to contact the corresponding author for additional information on data acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,
| | - Siyuan Cao
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zehang Chen
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra Hanlon
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Chonghuai Yan
- Xinhua Hospital, MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China
| | | | - Linda McCauley
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Li MM, Cao J, Gao ZY, Shen XM, Yan CH. The trend of lead poisoning rate in Chinese population aged 0-18 years old: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:756. [PMID: 26245199 PMCID: PMC4527361 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood lead poisoning is a public health problem gained widely attention for the health damage caused by lead exposure. Pediatrics defines lead poisoning as BLL of or higher than 10 μg/dL, which leads to harmful effects in nervous system, hematological system and urinary system. This study investigates the percentage of 0-18 year old Chinese population with blood lead level (BLL) ≥10 μg/dL during 1990-2012 by searching epidemiologic studies from electronic database focused on BLL in mainland China. METHODS Epidemiologic studies about BLL in China mainland between January 1990 and October 2012 were searched from electronic databases including CNKI, CBM disc, Wanfang Data, Pubmed and Medline. Data extraction, data analysis and risk of bias assessments were performed. RESULTS Fifty-five articles were included in analysis containing 200,002 subjects, covering 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The corrected pooled rate by trim and fill method under random effect model was 9 % (95 CI: 6 %, 12 %). The corrected pooled lead poisoning rate by trim and fill method was 28.1 % (95 % CI: 21.6 %, 34.6 %) from data published during 1990-2000, much higher than the rate during 2001-2005 (10.5 %, 95 % CI: 6.4 %, 14.5 %) and the rate during 2006-2012 (5.3 %, 95 % CI: 3.7 %, 7 %). The corrected pooled lead poisoning percentage in eastern zone (4.3 %, 95 % CI: 2 %, 6.6 %) was slightly lower than that in western zone (5.8 %, 95 % CI: 3.2 %, 8.5 %) and much lower than in central zone (8.5 %, 95 % CI: 4.9 %, 12.1 %). The corrected pooled rate of population living around mining area (70 %, 95 % CI: 62.7 %, 77.3 %) was much higher than that of population in urban area (9.6 %, 95 % CI: 7.1 %, 12.1 %), suburban area (23.6 %, 95 % CI: 17 %, 30.3 %), rural area (23.8 %, 95 % CI: 6.7 %, 40.9 %) and industrial area (57.5 %, 95 % CI: 28 %, 86.9 %). In male population, the corrected pooled rate (10 %, 95 % CI: 7 %, 13 %) was slightly higher than that in female population (7.7 %, 95 % CI: 5 %, 10.4 %). Considering different age groups, the lead poisoning prevalence gradually rose with the increase of age and reached peak level at preschool age, then declined slightly with age. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis revealed lead exposure situation of Chinese population in recent decades which provide robust evidence for policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-ming Li
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Jia Cao
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Zhen-yan Gao
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Xiao-ming Shen
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Chong-huai Yan
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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Lim S, Ha M, Hwang SS, Son M, Kwon HJ. Disparities in Children's Blood Lead and Mercury Levels According to Community and Individual Socioeconomic Positions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:6232-48. [PMID: 26035667 PMCID: PMC4483698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120606232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to examine the associations between blood lead and mercury levels and individual and community level socioeconomic positions (SEPs) in school-aged children. A longitudinal cohort study was performed in 33 elementary schools in 10 cities in Korea. Among a total of 6094 children included at baseline, the final study population, 2281 children followed-up biennially, were analyzed. The geometric mean (GM) levels of blood lead were 1.73 μg/dL (range 0.02–9.26) and 1.56 μg/dL (range 0.02–6.83) for male and female children, respectively. The blood lead levels were significantly higher in males, children living in rural areas, and those with lower individual SEP. The GM levels of blood mercury were 2.07 μg/L (range 0.09–12.67) and 2.06 μg/L (range 0.03–11.74) for males and females, respectively. Increased blood mercury levels were significantly associated with urban areas, higher individual SEP, and more deprived communities. The risk of high blood lead level was significantly higher for the lower individual SEP (odds ratio (OR) 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–3.50 in the lowest educational attainment of the father), with a significant dose-response relationship observed after adjusting for the community SEP. The association between high blood lead levels and lower individual SEP was much stronger in the more deprived communities (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.27–6.53) than in the less deprived communities (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.76–2.59), and showed a significant decreasing trend during the follow-up only in the less deprived communities. The risk of high blood mercury levels was higher in higher individual SEP (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.40–1.03 in the lowest educational attainment of the father), with a significant dose-response relationship noted. Significant decreasing trends were observed during the follow-up both in the less and more deprived communities. From a public health point-of-view, community level intervention with different approaches for different metals is warranted to protect children from environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinye Lim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul 130-872, Korea.
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-Ro, Dongnam-Gu, Cheonan, Chungnam 330-714, Korea.
| | - Seung-Sik Hwang
- Department of Social Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, 366 Seohae-Daero, Jung-Gu, Incheon 400-712, Korea.
| | - Mia Son
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, 1, Gangwondaehak-Gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon 200-701, Korea.
| | - Ho-Jang Kwon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-Ro, Dongnam-Gu, Cheonan, Chungnam 330-714, Korea.
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Qiu J, Wang K, Wu X, Xiao Z, Lu X, Zhu Y, Zuo C, Yang Y, Wang Y. Blood lead levels in children aged 0-6 years old in Hunan Province, China from 2009-2013. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122710. [PMID: 25830596 PMCID: PMC4382167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to describe blood lead levels (BLLs) and the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) in children aged 0–6 years old and to analyze the BLL trend in children from 2009 to 2013 in China. Methods A total of 124,376 children aged 0–6 years old were recruited for this study from January 1st 2009 to December 31st 2013. Their blood lead levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results The median BLL was 64.3 μg/L (IQR: 49.6–81.0), and the range was 4.3–799.0 μg/L. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in boys (66.0 μg/L) than in girls (61.9 μg/L) (P<0.001). The overall prevalence of BLLs≥100 μg/L was 10.54% in children aged 0–6 years in Hunan Province. Between 2009 and 2013, the prevalence of EBLLs (≥100 μg/L) decreased from 18.31% to 4.26% in children aged 0–6 years and increased with age. The prevalence of EBLLs has dramatically decreased in two stages (2009–2010 and 2012–2013), with a slight fluctuation in 2010 and 2011. Conclusions Both BLLs and the prevalence of EBLLs in children aged 0–6 years old declined substantially from 2009 to 2013 in Hunan Province; however, both remain at unacceptably high levels compared to developed countries. Comprehensive strategies are required to further reduce blood lead levels in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Qiu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal And Child Health Hospital Of Hunan Province, Changsha 41000, China
| | - Zhenghui Xiao
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Xiulan Lu
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Chao Zuo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yongjia Yang
- Department of Children’s Intensive Research Center, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Youjie Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- * E-mail:
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Chen J, Li M, Lv Q, Chen G, Li Y, Li S, Mo Y, Ou S, Yuan Z, Huang M, Jiang Y. Blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements in preschool children from Nanning, China. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 30:137-41. [PMID: 25575694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to assess the distribution of blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements in preschool children in an urban area of China. DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 6741 children aged 0- to 6-year-old were recruited. Levels of lead, zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium in whole blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS The mean blood lead level (BLL) and the prevalence of BLL≥10μg/dl (5.26±4.08μg/dl and 6.84%, respectively) increased with age gradually, and there was a gender-difference for blood lead, copper, zinc and iron levels. Compared with the group of children who had BLLs<5μg/dl, the groups of 5≤BLLs<10μg/dl and 10≤BLLs<15μg/dl showed higher blood zinc, iron and magnesium levels, and a lower blood calcium level. A positive correlation of lead with zinc, iron and magnesium, and a negative correlation of lead with calcium were found in the group of children with BLL<5μg/dl. CONCLUSION Age- and gender-differences were found when assessing the BLL and intoxication prevalence in preschool children. Metabolic disorder of essential elements was found even with a low level of lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Muyan Li
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qun Lv
- Maternity and Child Care Health Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guoli Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shaojun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuhuan Mo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shiyan Ou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zongxiang Yuan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingli Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yueming Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Ye J, Du C, Wang L, Li Z, Huang S, Wang H, He L, Bi Y, Wang C. Relationship of blood levels of Pb with Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Hb in children aged 0 ∼ 6 years from Wuhan, China. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 164:18-24. [PMID: 25516118 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of blood lead (Pb) levels with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and hemoglobin (Hb) in children aged from 0-6 years in Wuhan, China. A total of 1047 children from six communities, which were randomly selected in Wuhan city and three communities, located in the urban area and others in the suburban area, were recruited for this study between November 2012 and July 2013. The levels of elements in the blood were detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer, and Hb level was tested by an automated hematology analyzer. The results showed that the mean blood lead level (BLL) is 33.72 ± 19.03 μg/L. The BLL was significantly higher among boys than girls (P < 0.05). Higher BLL was also observed in suburbs compared to that in urban areas (P < 0.05). The BLL and Zn level were gradually increased with age. The elevated rate of BLL in children was 20.9 %, while the Zn deficiency rate was 65.0 %. And, the level of Hb in higher BLL group was significantly lower. Negative correlations of the blood levels of Pb with those of Cu (r = -0.087, P = 0.005), Mg (r = -0.102, P = 0.001), and Fe (r = -0.091, P = 0.003) were observed. These data suggested that the elevated rate of BLL in children from Wuhan is still higher according to the updated reference values in the USA. The deficiency of Cu, Mg, and Fe may indicate the elevation of lead absorption. The dietary supplement of Zn, Ca, and Fe in children requires more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingping Ye
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Donghu Road 115, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
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Chen K, Huang L, Yan B, Li H, Sun H, Bi J. Effect of lead pollution control on environmental and childhood blood lead level in Nantong, China: an interventional study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:12930-6. [PMID: 25294690 DOI: 10.1021/es502994j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Children's blood lead levels and prevalence of lead poisoning in China are significantly higher than in developed countries, though a substantial decrease has been observed. Since 2011, strict lead control policies in lead-related industries have been implemented in China, but the success of these policies is unknown. In this study, we collected environmental samples, questionnaire data, and blood samples from 106 children from 1 to 14 years old, before and after implementation of lead-usage control policy in wire rope factories by local government in Zhuhang, Nantong in 2012. Results showed that, one year after the lead control, lead concentrations sharply decreased in both environmental and biological samples with a decrease of 0.43 μg/m3 (-84.3%) in ambient air samples, 0.22 mg/kg (-36.1%) in vegetable samples, 441.1 mg/kg (-43.7%) in dust samples, and 6.24 μg/dL (-51.5%) in childhood blood lead levels (BLL). This study demonstrates the success of lead control policies in promoting the prevention and control of childhood lead poisoning in Nantong, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University , Xianlin Campus, Box 624, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
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Dallaire R, Dewailly É, Ayotte P, Forget-Dubois N, Jacobson SW, Jacobson JL, Muckle G. Growth in Inuit children exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and lead during fetal development and childhood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 134:17-23. [PMID: 25042032 PMCID: PMC4262554 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of their geographical location and traditional lifestyle, Canadian Inuit children are highly exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead (Pb), environmental contaminants that are thought to affect fetal and child growth. We examined the associations of these exposures with the fetal and postnatal growth of Inuit children. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study among Inuit from Nunavik (Arctic Québec). Mothers were recruited at their first prenatal visit; children (n=290) were evaluated at birth and at 8-14 years of age. Concentrations of PCB 153 and Pb were determined in umbilical cord and child blood. Weight, height and head circumference were measured at birth and during childhood. RESULTS Cord blood PCB 153 concentrations were not associated with anthropometric measurements at birth or school age, but child blood PCB 153 concentrations were associated with reduced weight, height and head circumference during childhood. There was no association between cord Pb levels and anthropometric outcomes at birth, but cord blood Pb was related to smaller height and shows a tendency of a smaller head circumference during childhood. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that chronic exposure to PCBs during childhood is negatively associated with skeletal growth and weight, while prenatal Pb exposure is related to reduced growth during childhood. This study is the first to link prenatal Pb exposure to poorer growth in school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Dallaire
- École de psychologie, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Dewailly
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nadine Forget-Dubois
- École de psychologie, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- École de psychologie, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada.
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Li MM, Cao J, Xu J, Cai SZ, Shen XM, Yan CH. The national trend of blood lead levels among Chinese children aged 0-18 years old, 1990-2012. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 71:109-17. [PMID: 25000556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the epidemiological data during 1990-2012 that investigated the blood lead level (BLL) in the population aged 0-18 years old in China mainland and provided evidence of the benefits of implementing policies to prevent lead pollution based on the dynamic changes of BLL. Data were collected through databases including China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), CBM disc, Wanfang Data, Pubmed and Medline. The inclusion criteria were: 1. Epidemiological study in healthy population not included studies limited to specific patient; 2. Study subject was not the specific lead exposure population; 3. Sample size should be no less than 100 (for neonatal, no less than 50); 4. BLL detection was under strict quality control; and 5. Results should be presented as BLL (arithmetic mean level or geometric mean level). 62 articles were included in this study. All the surveys in these articles contained 189,352 subjects in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Linear regression analysis showed a significant decrease between 1990 and 2012 with an estimated regression coefficient of 3.05/year (SE=0.01, p<0.001). BLL gradually declined since early 21st century. Median levels of BLL among the three economic zones were 51.4 μg/L in the eastern zone, 52.72 μg/L in the central zone and 46.2 μg/L in the western zone respectively. Median BLLs in male and female population aged 0-18 years old of China were 48.8 μg/L and 46.1μg/L. Median levels of BLL among the different age ranges were 74.9 μg/L in newborn, 46.4 μg/L in 0 to 3 years old, 57.6 μg/L in 3 to 7 years old and 55.6 μg/L in above 7 years old respectively. In conclusion, the BLL in the Chinese population of 0-18 years old has gradually dropped in the past 10 years. The decline in temporal trend still remains under potential impacts of several factors such as economical level, gender and age difference. Although, China has made significant achievements in the control prevention of lead pollution, concerted efforts are still warranted to reduce children lead poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-ming Li
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jia Cao
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jian Xu
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shi-zhong Cai
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Xiao-ming Shen
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-huai Yan
- MOE Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Liu J, Liu X, Wang W, McCauley L, Pinto-Martin J, Wang Y, Li L, Yan C, Rogan WJ. Blood lead concentrations and children's behavioral and emotional problems: a cohort study. JAMA Pediatr 2014; 168:737-45. [PMID: 25090293 PMCID: PMC4152857 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between lead exposure and children's IQ has been well studied, but few studies have examined the effects of blood lead concentrations on children's behavior. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between blood lead concentrations and behavioral problems in a community sample of Chinese preschool children with a mean blood lead concentration of less than 10 µg/dL. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A prospective cohort study was conducted at 4 preschools in Jintan, Jiangsu province of China. Participants included 1341 children aged 3 to 5 years. EXPOSURES Lead. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Blood lead concentrations were measured in children aged 3 to 5 years. Behavioral problems were assessed using Chinese versions of the Child Behavior Checklist and Caregiver-Teacher Report Form when children were aged 6 years. RESULTS The mean (SD) blood lead concentration was 6.4 (2.6) µg/dL, with the 75th and 90th percentiles being 7.5 and 9.4 µg/dL, respectively. General linear modeling showed significant associations between blood lead concentrations and increased scores for teacher-reported behavioral problems. A 1-µg/dL increase in the blood lead concentration resulted in a 0.322 (95% CI, 0.058 to 0.587), 0.253 (95% CI, 0.016 to 0.500), and 0.303 (95% CI, 0.046 to 0.560) increase of teacher-reported behavior scores on emotional reactivity, anxiety problems, and pervasive developmental problems, respectively (P < .05), with adjustment for parental and child variables. Spline modeling showed that mean teacher-reported behavior scores increased with blood lead concentrations, particularly for older girls. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Blood lead concentrations, even at a mean concentration of 6.4 µg/dL, were associated with increased risk of behavioral problems in Chinese preschool children, including internalizing and pervasive developmental problems. This association showed different patterns depending on age and sex. As such, continued monitoring of blood lead concentrations, as well as clinical assessments of mental behavior during regular pediatric visits, may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Address correspondence to: Dr. Jianghong Liu, PhD, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania Schools of Nursing and Medicine, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 426, Claire M. Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6096, , Tel: (215) 898-8293, Fax: (215) 746-3374
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda McCauley
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Yingjie Wang
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda Li
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Xinhua Hospital, MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China
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Li Y, Wu S, Xiang Y, Liang X. An investigation of outpatient children's blood lead level in Wuhan China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95284. [PMID: 24740029 PMCID: PMC3989303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Blood lead levels (BLLs) and possible influencing factors in children in Wuhan China were investigated in order to understand current lead pollution exposure and provide a scientific basis for prevention and policy making. Materials and Methods BLL data were collected from 15,536 out-patients in Wuhan Children Hospital in 2012 full year. All of them were under 18 years of age (Mean ± SD: 4.32±3.2, 64.4% boys). The BLLs were measured by an atomic absorption spectrometry (BH2100). Results The geometric mean of BLLs for all the subjects was 44.75 µg/L (95%CI: 44.46 µg/L – 45.05 µg/L), much lower than that reported in previous studies. The prevalence of the elevated BLLs (≥ 100 µg/L) in the children tested was 2% in 2012 and the prevalence of BLLs (≥ 50 µg/L) was 44%. Age and sex could be possible influencing factors for BLLs in the children (p<0.001). In addition, the BLLs in different seasons were different (p<0.001). Conclusions These results demonstrate that BLLs have significantly decreased in children in Wuhan during recent years. However, we should continuously pay attention to lead pollution and emphasize that prevention is much more important than treatment for controlling children's BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Liang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Mousa AM, Al-Fadhli AS, Rao MS, Kilarkaje N. Gestational lead exposure induces developmental abnormalities and up-regulates apoptosis of fetal cerebellar cells in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2014; 38:73-83. [PMID: 24724870 DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2014.907578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), a known environmental toxicant, adversely affects almost all organ systems. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal lead exposure on fetal rat cerebellum. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were given lead nitrate in drinking water (0, 0.5, and 1%) for two weeks before conception, and during pregnancy. Fetuses were collected by caesarian section on gestational day 21 and observed for developmental abnormalities. The fetal cerebellar sections from control and 1% lead group were stained with cresyl violet. Immunohistochemical expressions of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3 were quantified by AnalySIS image analyzer (Life Science, Germany). Lead exposure induced developmental abnormalities of eyes, ear, limbs, neck and ventral abdominal wall; however, these abnormalities were commonly seen in the 1% lead-treated group. In addition, lead also caused fetal mortality and reduced body growth in both dose groups and reduced brain weight in the 1% lead-treated group. The fetal cerebella from the 1% lead-treated group showed unorganized cerebellar cortical layers, and degenerative changes in granule and Purkinje cells such as the formation of clumps of Nissl granules. An increase in Bax and caspase 3, and a decrease in Bcl-2 (p < 0.05), but not in p53, showed apoptosis of the neurons. In conclusion, gestational lead exposure in rats induces fetal toxicity and developmental abnormalities. The lead exposure also impairs development of cerebellar layers, induces structural changes, and apoptosis in the fetal cerebellar cortex. These results suggest that lead exposure during gestation is extremely toxic to developing cerebellum in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa M Mousa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University , Kuwait
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Li T, Dai YH, Xie XH, Tan ZW, Zhang SM, Zhu ZH. Surveillance of childhood blood lead levels in 11 cities of China. World J Pediatr 2014; 10:29-37. [PMID: 24464661 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-014-0452-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to lead can be deleterious to children's health. Surveillance for blood lead levels (BLLs) is reported every year in the USA and some other countries. However, such reports are lacking in China which has the world's largest population of children. In this study, we provided the latest nationally representative data on BLLs among Chinese children living in cities, described the change in BLLs since 2004, and explored the risk factors for elevated BLLs (EBLLs) among children. METHODS We studied 12 693 children aged 0-6 years in 2004 and 11 255 children aged 0-6 years in 2010. We evaluated the average BLLs and the prevalence of EBLLs, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate predictors of EBLLs. RESULTS The geometric mean BLLs of children aged 0-6 years dropped by 16% (from 46.38 ± 2.10 μg/L in 2004 to 38.95 ± 1.83 μg/L in 2010), while the prevalence of EBLLs dropped by 87% (from 9.78% in 2004 to 1.32% in 2010). In a multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with EBLLs: (1) children being cared for at home or at a boarding nursery (compared to children being cared for in a day nursery), (2) children having fathers with a lower education level, and (3) children often eating popcorn and chewing fingernails or sucking fingers were associated with EBLLs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrated a substantial decline in BLLs from 2004 to 2010 among Chinese children 0-6 years living in cities. However, these levels were higher than levels in countries, such as the USA, Canada, Japan and Sweden. These data demonstrate that Chinese children's lead exposure remains a public health problem that requires additional effort and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Beijing, China
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Impact of low blood lead concentrations on IQ and school performance in Chinese children. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65230. [PMID: 23734241 PMCID: PMC3667072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Examine the relationships between blood lead concentrations and children's intelligence quotient (IQ) and school performance. Participants and Methods Participants were 1341 children (738 boys and 603 girls) from Jintan, China. Blood lead concentrations were measured when children were 3–5 years old. IQ was assessed using the Chinese version and norms of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised when children were 6 years old. School performance was assessed by standardized city tests on 3 major subjects (Chinese, Math, and English [as a foreign language]) when children were age 8–10 years. Results Mean blood lead concentration was 6.43 µg/dL (SD = 2.64). For blood lead concentrations, 7.8% of children (n = 105) had ≥10.0 µg/dL, 13.8% (n = 185) had 8.0 to <10.0 µg/dL, and 78.4% (n = 1051) had <8.0 µg/dL. Compared to children with blood lead concentrations <8 µg/dL, those with blood lead concentrations ≥8 µg/dL scored 2–3 points lower in IQ and 5–6 points lower in school tests. There were no significant differences in IQ or school tests between children with blood lead concentrations groups 8–10 and ≥10 µg/dL. After adjustment for child and family characteristics and IQ, blood lead concentrations ≥10 µg/dL vs <8 µg/dL at ages 3–5 years was associated with reduced scores on school tests at age 8–10 years (Chinese, β = −3.54, 95%CI = −6.46, −0.63; Math, β = −4.63, 95%CI = −7.86, −1.40; English, β = −4.66, 95%CI = −8.09, −1.23). IQ partially mediated the relationship between elevated blood lead concentrations and later school performance. Conclusions Findings support that blood lead concentrations in early childhood, even <10 µg/dL, have a long-term negative impact on cognitive development. The association between blood lead concentrations 8–10 µg/dL and cognitive development needs further study in Chinese children and children from other developing countries.
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Liu J, Leung PWL, McCauley L, Ai Y, Pinto-Martin J. Mother's environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and externalizing behavior problems in children. Neurotoxicology 2012. [PMID: 23178460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the impact of active maternal smoking during pregnancy on child health has been well investigated, the association between maternal passive smoking, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), or second-hand smoke, and behavioral development of offspring is less clear. This study examines the association between maternal ETS exposure during pregnancy and child behavior problems. METHODS Cross-sectional data of 646 mother-child pairs from the Jintan China Cohort Study were used in the analyses. Mother's exposure to tobacco smoking at home, the workplace, and other places during pregnancy (for the determination of maternal ETS exposure) and children's behaviors (via Child Behavior Checklist) were assessed when the children were 5-6 years old. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between maternal exposure to ETS during pregnancy and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, adjusting for potential cofounders including child sex and parental characteristics. RESULTS 37% of mothers reported ETS during pregnancy. Children of mothers exposed to ETS during pregnancy had higher scores for externalizing and total behavior problems, with 25% of children whose mothers were exposed to ETS compared to 16% of children of unexposed mothers. After adjusting for potential confounders, ETS exposure was associated with a higher risk of externalizing behavior problems in offspring of exposed mothers (OR=2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-3.43). Analysis after multiple imputations and sensitivity analysis further verified the association, but no dose-response relationship was found. ETS exposure, however, was not associated with internalizing or total behavior problems. CONCLUSION This study suggests that maternal ETS exposure during pregnancy may impact child behavioral development, particularly externalizing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Cross-sectional study on the effects of socioeconomic factors on lead exposure in children by gender in Serpong, Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012. [PMID: 23202836 PMCID: PMC3524617 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9114135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the socioeconomic factors influencing lead exposure in elementary school children by gender, 108 children (56 male, 52 female), aged 6–7 years, were randomly selected from 39 elementary state schools in Serpong, Banten, Indonesia. Their parents were interviewed to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics. Their blood lead (BPb) levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. BPb concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females, i.e., 6.8 ± 2.0 (2.9–12.5) µg/dL and 5.9 ± 1.9 (3.1–11.7) µg/dL, respectively (p < 0.05). Lower socioeconomic status and well water use were associated with increased BPb concentrations, especially in females. The proportion of well water use was related to lower socioeconomic status. Lower socioeconomic status linked with well water drinking seemed to be associated with increased lead exposure in children in Serpong. Their exposure levels possibly varied according to gender differences in behavior. An intervention should be instituted among children in Serpong with BPb concentrations of 10 µg/dL or above.
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