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Famouri F, Yazdi M, Feizii A, Saneian H, Nasri P, Kelishadi R. Comparison of Blood Lead Levels in Children and Adolescents with and without Functional Abdominal Pain. Adv Biomed Res 2023; 12:194. [PMID: 37694233 PMCID: PMC10492617 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_250_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Functional abdominal pain is a health concern with chronic abdominal discomfort without clear etiology. Several etiologic factors are raised in this regard, one related to environmental factors. This study aimed to compare blood lead levels between children and adolescents with and without functional abdominal pain. Materials and Methods This case-control study was performed in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. The sample size was calculated as 70 cases and an equal number of controls. Cases were children and adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), and controls were grouped age- and sex-matched. Controls were randomly selected from those referred for routine health screening. Both groups obtained blood lead, iron, and calcium levels. All participants completed the FFQ Food Consumption and Environmental Pollutants Questionnaire. Results Participants were 139 children (68 cases and 71 controls). The mean (SD) age was 9.40 (3.91) years in the FGID group and 8.79 (3.46) years in the controls (P = 0.330). The mean (SD) blood lead level was not significantly different between the FGID group and the controls (3.98 ± 2.56 vs 3.81 ± 1.96 μg/dl, respectively, P = 0.670). We found that 55.3% of children with high lead levels had FGID, while 44.4% of children with lower lead levels had FGID, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.33). Conclusion We found that the lead level was higher in patients with FGID than in the controls; however, this difference was not significantly different. This might be because of elevated lead levels in both groups. Future ecological studies with a large sample size are necessary in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Famouri
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Awat Feizii
- Department of Statistics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Saneian
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Peiman Nasri
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Huang Z. Association Between Blood Lead Level With High Blood Pressure in US (NHANES 1999–2018). Front Public Health 2022; 10:836357. [PMID: 35548077 PMCID: PMC9081331 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.836357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lead is a toxic metal for human health, but the effect on blood pressure (BP) is still controversial. The object of this study was to demonstrate the association between blood lead levels with BP and hypertension (HTN). Methods We used the database from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999–2018) to perform a cross-sectional study. We performed multivariate regressions to examine the association between blood lead level with HTN and BP, and then a subgroup analysis was performed. Results A total of 32,289 participants were included in this study, but no significant difference was found between blood lead levels and HTN. However, the association between blood lead levels with systolic and diastolic pressure became positive. In the subgroup analysis stratified by race, the association between non-Hispanic white and black people still existed. Conclusion The association between blood lead levels with HTN was not significant, but it was positively associated with BP. Besides, the association between non-Hispanic white and black people was also significant.
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Samarghandian S, Shirazi FM, Saeedi F, Roshanravan B, Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Khorasani EY, Farkhondeh T, Aaseth JO, Abdollahi M, Mehrpour O. A systematic review of clinical and laboratory findings of lead poisoning: lessons from case reports. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 429:115681. [PMID: 34416225 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals in the environment. The present review aimed to highlight hazardous pollution sources, management, and review symptoms of lead poisonings in various parts of the world. The present study summarized the information available from case reports and case series studies from 2009 to March 2020 on the lead pollution sources and clinical symptoms. All are along with detoxification methods in infants, children, and adults. Our literature compilation includes results from 126 studies on lead poisoning. We found that traditional medication, occupational exposure, and substance abuse are as common as previously reported sources of lead exposure for children and adults. Ayurvedic medications and gunshot wounds have been identified as the most common source of exposure in the United States. However, opium and occupational exposure to the batteries were primarily seen in Iran and India. Furthermore, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hematological disorders were the most frequently occurring symptoms in lead-poisoned patients. As for therapeutic strategies, our findings confirm the safety and efficacy of chelating agents, even for infants. Our results suggest that treatment with chelating agents combined with the prevention of environmental exposure may be an excellent strategy to reduce the rate of lead poisoning. Besides, more clinical studies and long-term follow-ups are necessary to address all questions about lead poisoning management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
| | - Farshad M Shirazi
- Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center, The University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Farhad Saeedi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Babak Roshanravan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | | | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
| | - Jan Olav Aaseth
- Elverum, and Research Department, Innlandet Hospital, Norway University of Applied Sciences, Brumunddal, Norway.
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran; Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Street RA, Goessler W, Naidoo S, Shezi B, Cele N, Rieger J, Ettinger K, Reddy T, Mathee A. Exposure to lead and other toxic metals from informal foundries producing cookware from scrap metal. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:109860. [PMID: 32768472 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Metal exposure remains a significant public health problem, particularly in the informal sector. The rise in informal foundries to cast scrap metal into artisanal cookware is widespread in low- and middle-income countries. The main aim of this study was to characterize metal exposure in artisanal cookware makers working in informal foundries in South Africa by measuring lead (Pb) in blood as well as sample metal concentrations on hands before and after work. The blood Pb distribution of the artisanal pot makers ranged from 1.1 to 4.6 μg/dl with the median blood Pb level being 2.1 μg/dl (IQR 1.7-2.5). The median blood Pb level in artisanal pot makers was 1.0 μg/dl higher compared with the non-exposed community members (p < 0.0001). Before-and-after handwipe sampling revealed a median increase in all 22 elements. Pre and post aluminum (Al) load on the handwipes revealed a 7.3 factor increase (0.53 and 3.9 mg Al/handwipe respectively) (p = 0.003). Hand Pb load before and after pot making revealed a 3.5-fold increase (median increase of 6.2 μg Pb/handwipe). An increase in backyard informal foundries may be linked to increased exposure to toxic metals for workers, family members and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saloshni Naidoo
- University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - Busisiwe Shezi
- South African Medical Research Council Durban, South Africa
| | - Nokulunga Cele
- South African Medical Research Council Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Tarylee Reddy
- South African Medical Research Council Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Mathee
- South African Medical Research Council Durban, South Africa
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Mani MS, Nayak DG, Dsouza HS. Challenges in diagnosing lead poisoning: A review of occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed cases reported in India. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 36:346-355. [PMID: 32496147 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720928170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lead is a nonessential metal which enters the body through various means and is considered as one of the most common health toxins. Several cases of lead poisoning are reported as a result of inhalation or ingestion of lead in employees working as painters, smelters, electric accumulator manufacturers, compositors, auto mechanics, and miners. In addition to occupational lead exposure, several cases of lead poisoning are reported in the general population through various sources and pathways. Innumerable signs and symptoms of lead poisoning observed are subtle and depend on the extent and duration of exposure. The objective of this review article is to discuss occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed lead poisoning cases reported in India and the associated symptoms, mode of therapy, and environmental intervention used in managing these cases. Lead poisoning cases cannot be identified at an early stage as the symptoms are very general and mimic that of other disorders, and patients might receive only symptomatic treatment. Knowledge about the various symptoms and potential sources is of utmost importance. Medical practitioners when confronted with patients experiencing signs and symptoms as discussed in this article can speculate the possibility of lead poisoning, which could lead to early diagnosis and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Shirley Mani
- Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Divyani Gurudas Nayak
- Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Herman Sunil Dsouza
- Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Ahn G, Hur S, Jung MC. Bayesian network model to diagnose WMSDs with working characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2018; 26:336-347. [PMID: 30033819 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1502131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Aim. It is essential to understand the extent to which job characteristics impact work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), and to calculate the probability that an employee will suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder given their working conditions. The objective of this research is to identify the relationships between WMSDs and working characteristics, by developing a Bayesian network (BN) model to calculate the probability that an employee suffers from a musculoskeletal disorder. Methods. A conceptual model was constructed based on a BN. This was then statistically tested and corrected to establish a BN model. Results. Experiments verified that the BN model achieves a better diagnostic performance than artificial neural network, support vector machine and decision tree approaches, and is robust in diagnosing WMSDs given working characteristics. Conclusion. It was verified that working characteristics, such as working hours and pace, impact the incidence rate of WMSDs, and a BN model was developed to probabilistically diagnose WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilseung Ahn
- Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Hanyang University, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hur
- Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Hanyang University, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Chul Jung
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Ajou University, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
In March 2014, a 39-year-old Korean male presented with a 6-month history of various nonspecific symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, irritability, elevated blood pressure, palpitation, eyestrain, and tinnitus. His occupational history revealed that he had been working as an indoor firing range manager for 13 months; therefore, he was subjected to a blood lead level (BLL) test. The test results showed a BLL of 64 μg/dL; hence, he was diagnosed with lead poisoning and immediately withdrawn from work. As evident from the workplace environmental monitoring, the level of lead exposure in the air exceeded its limit (0.015-0.387 mg/m³). He received chelation treatment with calcium-disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (1 g/day) for 5 days without any adverse effects. In the follow-up results after 2 months, the BLL had decreased to 9.7 μg/dL and the symptoms resolved. This report represents the first occupational case of lead poisoning in firing ranges in Korea, and this necessitates institutional management to prevent the recurrence of poisoning through this route. Workplace environmental monitoring should be implemented for indoor firing ranges, and the workers should undergo regularly scheduled special health examinations. In clinical practice, it is essential to question the patient about his occupational history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Wook Kang
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Medical Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Won Ju Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea.
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Park WJ, Lee SH, Lee SH, Yoon HS, Moon JD. Occupational Lead Exposure from Indoor Firing Ranges in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2016; 31:497-501. [PMID: 27051231 PMCID: PMC4810330 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Military personnel often use ammunitions that contain lead. The present study aimed to identify the risks for lead exposure and lead poisoning among workers at indoor firing ranges. A special health examination, including blood lead level (BLL) testing, was performed for all 120 workers at the indoor firing ranges of the Republic of Korea's Air Force, Navy, and Armed Forces Athletic Corps. The overall mean BLL was 11.3 ± 9.4 µg/dL (range: 2.0-64.0 µg/dL). The arithmetic mean of the BLL for professional shooters belong to Armed Forces Athletic Corps was 14.0 ± 8.3 µg/dL, while those of shooting range managers and shooting range supervisors were 13.8 ± 11.1 µg/dL and 6.4 ± 3.1 µg/dL, respectively. One individual had a BLL of 64 µg/dL, and ultimately completed chelation treatment (with CaNa2-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) without any adverse effects. These findings indicate that indoor firing range workers are exposed to elevated levels of lead. Therefore, when constructing an indoor firing range, a specialist should be engaged to design and assess the ventilation system; and safety guidelines regarding ammunition and waste handling must be mandatory. Moreover, workplace environmental monitoring should be implemented for indoor firing ranges, and the workers should undergo regularly scheduled special health examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ju Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
| | - Suk-Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Se-Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hye-Sik Yoon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aerospace Medical Research Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jai-Dong Moon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
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