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The deficiency of essential minerals increases lead absorption and thus aggravates the lead-induced toxic effects. This study was aimed at understanding the ameliorative effect of essential minerals on lead-induced alterations in hematological parameters in rats. To achieve this objective, the study was conducted in 320 male Wistar albino rats, grouped into two, with equal numbers. One of the groups of rats was fed on a mineral-supplemented food referred to as a 'well-nourished group' and another group 'undernourished group' on food without mineral supplements. Each group of rats was further subdivided into 'Subjects' and 'Controls.' Subjects of both the groups of rats were exposed to 500 ppm lead acetate up to a period of 300 days (10 months) in drinking water and the role of minerals on lead-induced alterations in hematological parameters was evaluated. A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in hemoglobin (Hb) and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) levels and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALAU) levels were seen in subjects without mineral supplementation compared to those fed on a mineral-enriched diet. A positive correlation was observed between blood lead levels (PbB) and δ-ALAU (r = 0.792) and a negative correlation with Hb (r = -0.926) and δ-ALAD (r = -0.836) in the subjects. These changes were very prominent in the undernourished subjects when compared to the well-nourished subjects. Observations of the present study indicate that mineral supplementation with ongoing lead exposure may help in minimizing the absorption of lead and reduce lead-induced toxic effects.

Wheat flag leaf (FL) is one of the primary sources of carbohydrates in grains; however, its role in grain lead (Pb) absorption remains unclear. A field experiment was conducted to assess the relative contribution of the FL to Pb accumulation in wheat grain by two contrasting treatments: without (CK) and with FL removal (FLR) at the grain-filling stage. The Pb concentration in leaves was closely related to leaf strata and decreased from FL to the third leaf. FLR treatment significantly reduced the yield and grain Pb concentration by 2.79% and 11.47%, respectively. The contribution of FL to grain Pb accumulation decreased gradually with the filling process, from 35.08% (at early stage) to 13.94% (at maturity stage). After FLR, the contribution proportion of atmospheric fallout to grain Pb decreased from 69.01% (CK) to 62.43% (FLR). Combined isotope analysis with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) revealed that the main contribution of FLs to grain Pb originated from Pb fallout in fine atmospheric particles. Therefore, taking measures to reduce the influence of fine atmospheric particles on wheat may be an effective way to control wheat grain Pb contamination.

Oilseed plant, Brassica napus L. seedlings grown in hydroponic condition with different concentrations of Pb were treated with salicylic acid (SA) to investigate the role of exogenous salicylic acid in alleviating lead toxicity on biochemical and physiological activities of the plant. The results showed that application of different concentrations of Pb increased soluble sugars and reduced carbohydrate levels significantly in roots and shoots of the plants. The stress induced by application of Pb triggered significant inhibitory effects on growth and chlorophyll synthesis induced on the production of protein and proline and enhanced the levels of antioxidant activity. Salicylic acid (SA) treated plants showed alleviation increasing total dry mass, leaf area, shoot and root length as well as leaf total chlorophyll content in responses to Pb stress. Results revealed the importance of salicylic acid (SA) activity in enabling plants to reduce the soluble sugars and increase of insoluble sugar in heavy -metal-stressed plants. The content of proline and proteins were also reduced in plants were treated with salicylic acid. Our data provide evidence that salicylic acid treatment decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in plants were exposed to different levels of Pb.

This study examines the use of cement treatment in improving the lead immobilization properties of a compacted clay liner for sanitary landfill applications. The compaction and strength characteristics of the cement treated clay at cement contents of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% and 18% by weight of dry soil are studied via standard compaction and unconfined compressive strength tests. The lead immobilization characteristics of the cement treated clay are also investigated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The cement contents of 6% and 9% significantly affect the permeability coefficient and lead absorption of the clay. The permeability coefficient of the cement treated clay meets the requirement for a waterproof material in landfill, i.e., Clay-liner, Landfill, Lead, Unconfined compressive strength, Immobilization, Soil cement, Ground improvement.

Lead (Pb) is a metal used as raw material for color pigments in printing ink. Pb exposure caused by printing ink can cause an increase in Pb levels in the blood and a decrease in hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Pb levels of ink on Pb levels in blood, as well as the effect of Pb levels in the blood on hemoglobin levels in book printing employees on Jalan Karah Surabaya. This study included analytic observational research, the research design used was the cross-sectional design, and the multiple linear correlation test was used for analysis. The results showed that the Pb level in ink had an effect on the Pb level in the blood (p = 0.000; OR = 0.762). The employee characteristics, namely work period, had an effect on Pb level in blood (p = 0.000; OR = 0.883). Age, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and personal hygiene do not affect the Pb level in the blood. Pb levels in the blood affect blood hemoglobin levels (p = 0.001; OR = -0.724). Employee characteristics, namely their work period, affect blood hemoglobin levels (p = 0.046; OR = -0.4471). Age and nutritional status did not affect the blood hemoglobin level. The conclusion in this study is that Pb levels in ink increases Pb levels in the blood, and Pb levels in the blood decrease blood hemoglobin levels. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor lead levels in the blood by periodic examination every 6 or 12 months. Book printing personnel should also take supplements containing calcium, iron (Fe), and vitamin C to inhibit lead absorption.Keywords: Pb levels in ink, blood Pb levels, Hb levels, printing employees.

Lead is a naturally-occurring element. It has been known to man for a long time, and it is one of the longest established poisons. The current consensus is that no level of lead exposure should be deemed "safe." New evidence regarding the blood levels at which morbidities occur has prompted the CDC to reduce the screening guideline of 10 $\mu$g/dl to 2 $\mu$g/dl. Measurable cognitive decline (reduced IQ, academic deficits) have been found to occur at levels below 10mg/dl. Knowledge of lead pharmacology allows us to better understand its absorption and metabolization, mechanisms that produce its medical consequences. Based upon an original and very simplified compartmental model of Rabinowitz (1973) with only three major compartments (blood, bone and soft tissue), extensive biophysical models sprouted over the following two decades. However, none of these models have been specifically designed to use new knowledge of lead molecular dynamics to understand its deleterious effects on the brain. We build and analyze a compartmental model of lead pharmacokinetics, focused specifically on addressing neurotoxicity. We use traditional phase space methods, parameter sensitivity analysis and bifurcation theory to study the transitions in the system's behavior in response to various physiological parameters. We conclude that modeling the complex interaction of lead and calcium along their dynamic trajectory may successfully explain counter-intuitive effects on systemic function and neural behavior which could not be addressed by existing linear models. Our results encourage further efforts towards using nonlinear phenomenology in conjunction with empirically driven system parameters, to obtain a biophysical model able to provide clinical assessments and predictions., Comment: 38 pages, 20 color figures, 110 references

Game meat is endowed with excellent nutritional value, but it may also be a possible source of harmful substances, such as mycotoxins and heavy metals. In particular, several studies showed that lead fragments from hunting ammunition are able to represent a residual contaminant in the meat of wild boars or deer, representing a possible source of lead absorption. Even though wild boar meat consumption in Italy is rather limited, this meat could also be present in very popular Italian recipes, such as the typical meat sauce called ragù. We evaluated the lead levels in 48 samples (three different batches for each of the 16 brands) of ready-to-eat wild boar meat ragù sold on the Italian market in food stores and online distribution with the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. A high variability was found in the lead levels detected in the samples, with a median lead level of 0.10 mg/kg (0.01–18.3 mg/kg) and some of the samples showing very high lead concentrations. Since no intake level of lead is considered completely safe, and maximum levels for game meat have so far not been established, a greater attention on the risks to consumers’ health related to the presence of this heavy metal in game meat is recommended.

Background: Human exposure to lead can occur in a variety of ways, all of which involve exposure to potentially toxic elements as environmental pollutants. Lead enters the body via ingestion and inhalation from sources such as soil, food, lead dust and lead in products of everyday use and in the workplace. The aim of this review is to describe the toxic effects of lead on the human body from conception to adulthood, and to review the situation regarding lead toxicity in Poland. Results: Pb is very dangerous when it is absorbed and accumulates in the main organs of the body, where it can cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person, the time of exposure and dose. Lead in adults can cause an increase in blood pressure, slow nerve conduction, fatigue, mood swings, drowsiness, impaired concentration, fertility disorders, decreased sex drive, headaches, constipation and, in severe cases, encephalopathy or death. Conclusions: Exposure to lead in Poland remains an important public health problem. This review will cover the range of lead exposures, from mild to heavy. Public health interventions and policies also are needed to reduce occupational and environmental exposure to this element.

Introduction. Lead is a toxic metal which, even at low blood levels, can alter normal neurodevelopment in children, so no blood lead level is acceptable. Lead absorption from diet accounts for the highest contribution to blood lead levels in the population who is not exposed to contaminated environments or because of their occupation. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of diet to lead exposure among children aged 1 to 7 years who attended Hospital de Niños de La Plata for health check-ups. Population and methods. The study was conducted between June 2015 and May 2016. A questionnaire on the frequency of food intake was administered to 91 children whose average age ± standard deviation was 3.0 ± 1.7 years, and foods included in the analysis were selectedbased on this questionnaire. Selected foods were purchased from different regional stores. Composite samples were made up of different food groups. Lead levels corresponding to each food group were determined and, finally, the daily intake of lead was estimated for the studied population. Results. The daily intake of lead was 138 µg/day. The food groups with the higher intake rates were processed meat products (15.4%), bakery products (14.8%), milk (12.5%), and meat (11.7%). Conclusions. Children aged 1 to 7 years attending a public hospital in La Plata have a lead burden from dietary intake of 138 µg/day., Introducción. El plomo es un metal tóxico, que, aun en bajas concentraciones sanguíneas, es capaz de alterar el normal desarrollo neurológico de los niños, por lo que no existe un nivel aceptable de plombemia. La absorción de plomo de los alimentos es la mayor contribución a los niveles de plombemia de la población no expuesta laboralmente o a ambientes contaminados. El objetivo fue determinar la contribución dietaria a la exposición al plomo en niños de 1 a 7 años de edad que concurrían por controles de salud al Hospital de Niños de La Plata. Población y métodos. El estudio se realizó entre junio de 2015 y mayo de 2016. Se realizó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos sobre 91 niños cuya edad promedio ± desvío estándar fue de 3,0 ± 1,7 años, sobre la cual se seleccionaron los alimentos por analizar. Se compraron los alimentos seleccionados en diversos comercios de la región. Se armaron muestras compuestas de diversos grupos de alimentos. Se determinó la concentración de plomo en los grupos de alimentos y, finalmente, se estimó la ingesta diaria de plomo de la población estudiada. Resultados. La ingesta diaria de plomo fue de 138 µg/día.Los grupos de alimentos que tuvieron mayor contribución fueron los productos cárnicos procesados (15,4%), los panificados (14,8%), la leche (12,5%) y la carne (11,7%). Conclusiones. Los niños de 1 a 7 años que concurren a un hospital público de La Plata tienen una carga de plomo en la dieta de 138 µg/día., Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas, Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambiente

Lead foreign bodies in joint spaces, often due to projectiles such as bullets, may cause localized arthropathy. There are no reports of joint fracture related to lead arthropathy. Additionally, lead foreign bodes embedded in the joint space may be a source of systemic lead absorption, causing elevated blood lead levels and toxicity to other organs. We present a young adult patient with retained left hip joint bullet fragments who developed suspected lead arthropathy and subsequent acute left hip fracture, as well as systemic lead absorption demonstrated by elevated blood lead levels.

Tea is a widely consumed beverage in the world and an important economic crop in China. However in recent years tea gardens were increasingly contaminated by heavy metals such as lead (Pb). Root uptake of Pb could contribute significantly to Pb accumulation in tea leaves due to the strong acidity of tea garden soils. To reduce the Pb bioavailability and absorption by tea plants, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of 3 phosphate fertilizers separately with a normal application rate in the field of 0.2 g (P2O5) ·kg-1soil and a high application rate of 0.5 g (P2O5) ·kg-1soil on bioavailable Pb in tea garden soil and Pb absorption and accumulation by tea plants. Results showed that application of calcium magnesium phosphate significantly increased soil pH by up to 0.6 units from 3.50 to 4.13. Phosphate fertilizers resulted in an increase of bioavailable Pb concentration in tea garden soil under our experimental conditions. Pb concentration in tissues of the tea plants under different phosphate fertilizer treatments followed the order of root>stem>leaf. Calcium magnesium phosphate with a high application rate of 0.5 g P2O5·kg-1soil decreased Pb concentrations of roots, stems and leaves of tea plants significantly. For one phosphate fertilizer, Pb absorption in tea plants under high application rate was much lower than it under normal application.

In our research a chernozem soil sample formed on loess was collected from an area under cultivation. Our aim was to determine the lead adsorption capacity using a soil column experiment. The study showed saturation of lead content of the soil. The lead accumulation capacity of Lactuca sativa L. was measured in the sections of roots and leaves applying pot experiments. It could be observed that the lettuce accumulated lead easily from the chernozem soil. The lead content was increased in the analyzed sections of the plants against an increasing lead content.

In order to study the soil amend agent how to suppress the function of the vegetables absorb Pb, the Pb was added in the experimental soil in pakchoi pot, The lime and peanut dry cake were added to the experimental soil as modifier, and the varying concentrate of modifiers, lead effect on pakchoi biomass and lead accumulate were discussed in this paper. Through the determination of Pb content of aboveground and underground part of pakchoi by ICP, the lime and peanut dry cake can resist lead absorption were proved, and the lime achieved better inhibitory effect of the two. By analyzed the BCF of two parts of pakchoi, two types of modifiers had proved can reduce the pakchoi BCF of Pb in the soil. The lime was more efficient than the peanut dry cake on reducing BCF of Pb.

Heavy metal pollution in soil poses a serious threat to the growth of plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of various soil remediation methods on the performance of Herba Dianthi (Dianthus superbus L.) grown on Pb-contaminated soil. The results show that inoculation of Herba Dianthi with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) led to a significant reduction in Pb uptake (P

Lead and zinc are mostly present at the same occupational source and usually found as co-contaminants. Lead is known to associate with detrimental effects to humans. Zinc however is an essential nutrient and its deficiency causes debilitating effects on growth and development. Besides, it acts as core ion of important enzymes and proteins. The purpose of this study was to examine if zinc concentrations are associated with blood lead levels and if zinc may prevent lead-induced DNA damage. Blood samples were collected from 92 workers as participants occupationally exposed to lead or lead and zinc and 38 comparison participants having no history of such exposure. Lead and zinc levels were determined from blood by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and genetic damage was assessed by comet assay. Correlation was calculated by Spearman’s rho. Lead concentrations were observed to increase among workers with increase in years of exposure. There was a significant difference (p

Blood lead levels in children in the USA have dropped dramatically since lead in food, air and drinking water was reduced. In inner cities and older residential areas, increased lead exposure may still be a problem because of dilapidated housing with high lead paint levels. In these areas, at mining sites and around smelters lead levels in soil may be very high. A review of many studies indicates that lead in soil or mine tailings does not make a meaningful contribution to lead absorption by children. The contribution of lead in soil to overall exposure, if any, lies within the variation of the analytical method for blood lead measurements. The results of exposure studies in the pediatric population reviewed in this article do not support exposure predictions for children under 6 years of age based on the US EPA Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model (using default parameters or using results obtained with in vitro digestion models). They also do not support predictions based on the percent o...

Lead has multiple detrimental effects in developing children and pregnant women. It can cause behavioral problems and decrease in IQ among children while complications may occur among pregnant women. This research is focused on two plants, Epipremnum aureum (money plant) and Bougainvillea spectabilis (bougainvillea), and their ability to sequester lead from air released by lead-based paint. The age of the plants (young or mature) and the type of plants were the factors used in the study. Each plant was placed inside a wooden compartment for seven days, where the interior surface was coated with lead-based paint. For baseline reading, one gram of leaves was collected from each plant before each was placed inside the painted compartment. Leaf samples were collected after the plants were placed inside the painted wooden compartments. The leaf samples were then subjected under atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine the amount of lead present. Results revealed that both Epipremnum aureum (money plant) and Bougainvillea spectabilis (bougainvillea) are capable of absorbing lead released in air from the lead-based paint coated compartments with differences at 2.4 ppm and 14 ppm; respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences on the lead absorption abilities of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Epipremnum aureum based on age (P=0.44). However, there was a significant difference in their capacity to absorb lead released in air based on the type of plant (P=0.009). Read full article here.

In the past several years a number of inadequately substantiated reports appeared in the popular media, asserting that lead (Pb) found in Beethoven's hair indicated that he was a victim of Pb poisoning and suggesting that lead played a role in his deafness and illnesses. This article reviews critically a recent report of the longitudinal distribution of Pb along individual hairs belonging to Beethoven by Dr Reiter 1, who interprets the Pb concentration profile of an individual hair in terms of several hypothetical occurrences which might have exposed Beethoven to lead during the last few months of his life and concludes that the resulting Pb poisoning caused his death. This hypothesis is, however, in need of substantiation by additional data since it is at variance with the known kinetics of Pb in blood and because the Pb content of hair is recognized as a problematical and unreliable biomarker of lead absorption, in part, because it is not possible to exclude exogenous Pb contamination in the specimen. I...

A preconcentration method of lead in waters by adsorption on a tantalum wire was developed for electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with a tungsten tube atomizer. After the preconcentration, the tantalum wire was directly inserted into the tungsten tube atomizer. In the preconcentration (adsorption) process for lead, the optimal immersing time was 90 s and the best pH was 4. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit for lead by the tantalum wire preconcentration method was 6.0 pg mL − 1 (3S/N) and the relative standard deviation was 6.1%. The influences of large amounts of concomitants on the preconcentration of lead were evaluated. Even though 10 3 to 10 4 -fold excess of matrix elements existed in aqueous solution, the lead absorption signal was not significantly affected by the matrix elements. The method with preconcentration on a tantalum wire was applied to the determination of lead in river waters and proved to be sensitive, simple, and convenient. Because this preconcentration method can be utilized in the in-situ treatment of trace lead in environmental water samples, it was unnecessary to carry the water samples to the analytical work place. The present technique was shown to be useful for the determination of lead in environmental water samples at 0.1−1 μg L − 1 .

The lead ion concentration in bile is considerably higher than in blood, and bile is released into the alimentary tract. Thiol-modified SBA-15 administered orally can combine with lead ions in the alimentary tract. In this paper, the in vitro lead absorption of bile was investigated. This thiol-modified SBA-15 material was used in pharmacodynamics studies on rabbits. The result that the lead content in faeces was notably higher indicates that thiol-modified SBA-15 can efficiently remove lead. The mechanism could include the following: thiol-modified SBA-15 material cuts off the heavy metal lead recirculation in the process of bile enterohepatic circulation by chelating the lead in the alimentary tract, causing a certain proportion of lead to be removed by the thiol mesoporous material, and the lead is subsequently egested out of the body in faeces. The results indicate that this material might be a potential non-injection material for the removal bodily heavy metal lead in the alimentary tract. This material may also be a useful means of lead removal, especially for non-acute sub-poisoning symptoms.

Objectives Lead is one of the major causes of workplace poisoning and lead contamination on skin is a possible route of lead absorption. Using a colourimetric method with sodium sulphide (Na2S), we examined whether the lead on skin represents longer-term lead exposure. Methods This cross-sectional study of 119 lead-handling workers in a battery recycling plant in Japan was conducted in July 2004. The main outcome measure was skin-colour darkening on the workers' hands, visualised by wetting the seemingly clean hands of the workers with 1% Na2S solution (128 mmol/L): the Na2S test. This study then examined the relationships between the Na2S test results and workers' blood lead concentration (BLC) and hygiene activities. Results The Na2S test produced skin-colour darkening of the hands of 92 (77%) of the lead workers, although 88 of them had washed their hands with soap and 50 had bathed before taking the test. In the bivariate analyses, a positive result in the Na2S test was associated with not washing hands (p = 0.009), not bathing (p = 0.061), and a higher BLC (p = 0.008). The association between the results of the Na2S test and BLC was still significant in the multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age and hand washing (p Conclusions Lead contamination on workers' hands, otherwise unapparent, was clearly demonstrated by the Na2S test. The result of this test was associated with BLC in addition to the hygiene activities after the last work with lead. As the lead contamination on the hand is persistent, simply encouraging hand washing may not be sufficient to reduce lead intake into body.

Lead absorption is influenced by the species that are formed and the physicochemical characteristics of lead, among others. Lead plasma concentration is < 5% of total blood lead and represents the biologically active fraction able to cross the cell membranes. Health risks mainly depend on a specific metal and its species. Speciation analysis is the analytical activity of identifying and determining different metal species. Chromatographic methods are very useful in the identification of species and the techniques most used to determine metals in biological fluids are ICP OES/MS and AAS. Lead speciation analysis in blood plasma is fundamental for understanding and evaluating the interaction mechanisms between that analyte and its biological targets.

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

High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutrients such as calcium could lower lead absorption and toxicity. We examined the effect of dietary calcium intakes on BLLs in 245 preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik. Calcium intake was assessed with one 24-h dietary recall and BLLs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in whole blood samples. Multiple imputation was performed to deal with missing data. Median blood lead concentration was 0.08 μmol/L. A high proportion of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D intake (73 %) and, to a lower extent, for calcium (20 %). Calcium intake was negatively associated with BLLs ( p = 0.0001) while child’s age and energy intake were positively associated with BLLs ( p = 0.015 and p = 0.024, respectively). Consuming traditional foods rich in calcium as well as milk and alternatives may protect against lead exposure.

The administration of chelating agents, meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), monoisoamyl DMSA (MiADMSA) either individually or in combination with an antioxidant, n-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the prevention and treatment of acute lead intoxication in rats, was investigated. The results suggest that concomitant oral supplementation of DMSA with lead was most effective in preventing the inhibition of lead sensitive blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in blood, elevation of zinc protoporphyrin level and the alterations in hepatic reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) contents. A number of other biochemical variables either remained insensitive to lead exposure or responded moderately to chelation treatment. Combined administrations of NAC plus DMSA was most effective when given during lead exposure or post exposure, followed by DMSA and MiADMSA alone or NAC plus MiADMSA treatment, in reducing the accumulation of lead in blood and liver. Administration of NAC alone was only mildly effective in preventing lead absorption in the blood and tissues. The results suggest that combined administration of DMSA and NAC could be a more effective treatment protocol for acute lead toxicity, keeping in view its beneficial effect on oxidative injury.

A cross-sectional study was performed on 275 pupils from the third and fourth grade of three elementary schools (three urban areas with different traffic conditions) in Zagreb. Lead exposure was environmental, mostly through leaded gasoline. The difference in traffic density around the schools was consistent with biological indicators of lead absorption. The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between characteristic biological indicators of lead absorption including indicators of hematological status with some psychological functions. Lead absorption in pupils was relatively low (mean blood lead: 70.8 ± 17.88 μg/L). Pupils' socio-economic status was evaluated by parents' education. The results obtained indicate that gender and school were associated with both biological and psychological variables. After adjusting for age, parental education, and gender, lead appears to have no association with cognitive or psycho-motor measures. The nonstandardized regression coefficients for blood lead—as a measure of the size of lead effect on VIQ, NIQ, and IQ—were −0.016, −0.031, and −0.025, respectively, all nonsignificant.

Ingestion of elemental lead foreign bodies is felt to have a low risk of clinically significant lead absorption unless gastrointestinal pathology and/or prolonged transit time are present. We present a case of ingestion of a large quantity of small diameter lead shot accompanied by rapid elevation of blood lead levels.A 5 1/2-year-old previously healthy girl was found eating the pellets from an ankle weight. She vomited and complained of abdominal pain. In the emergency department, she had no complaints and normal vital signs. An abdominal X-ray showed thousands of small, round, metallic density objects in the stomach. Her white blood cell count was 14,700/mm3, and the hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, zinc protoporphyrin, biochemistry panel 21, and urinalysis were normal. She had no prior lead level for comparison. Whole-bowel irrigation was begun and she passed over 11 stools with pellets as well as other foreign bodies (erasers, bead, etc.) in the first 24 hours. Pellets were still seen on X-ray the following day so she received a high-fiber diet and bisacodyl tablets 10 mg/d. On hospital day 2, her admission blood lead (drawn 13 hours after ingestion) was reported as 57 microg/dL (2.7 microm/L) and chelation was begun with oral 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid 10 mg/kg 3x/d for 5 days, then 2x/d for 14 days. Her peak measured lead level was 79 microg/dL approximately 36 hours after ingestion. She excreted 2,273 microg lead in the urine during her first 24 hours of chelation. Her blood lead dropped to 14.3 microg/dL by the end of chelation. She did not develop any apparent signs of lead poisoning.Acute elevations of blood lead concentrations may occur rapidly after ingestion of multiple small elemental lead objects.

Dietary calcium is well known to decrease gastrointestinal lead absorption and thereby reduce the risk for lead poisoning. Because children in economically deprived urban centers are especially likely to have excessive lead exposure, we surveyed dietary calcium intakes of 314 children from the greater Newark, New Jersey, area. The areas of Newark and adjacent communities studied had been previously identified as containing significant sources of environmental lead by geographic information systems technology. An abbreviated National Cancer Institute Health Habits and History Questionnaire, modified to focus on foods high in calcium, was used to determine dietary calcium. Calcium intakes were then compared to the new Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines. The respondents were primarily the parents of African-American and Hispanic children ranging in age from 1 to 8 years, with a mean age of 3.5 years. The most recent blood lead concentration was 11.4 +/- 0.8 microg/dL (mean +/- standard error), and 48.6% had concentrations at or above the current guideline of 10 microg/dL. Quintiles of calcium intake were: 221 +/- 13; 488 +/- 9; 720 +/- 6; 885 +/- 6; and 1,389 +/- 49 mg/day. Fifty-five of 175 (31.4%) children aged 1-3 years had calcium intakes below the DRI, as did 82 of 139 (59.0%) children aged 4-8 years. The percentage of mothers reporting lactose intolerance in their children was 2.5%. The observation that the children in the highest quintile easily exceeded the DRIs for calcium suggests that urban parents who include dairy foods in their childrens' meals can provide a diet that meets the DRI guidelines. Children in the lowest quintiles are at risk of increased absorption of the environmental lead to which they are inevitably exposed, as well as other problems associated with a low intake of dietary calcium. The data suggest that both lead exposure and low dietary calcium continue to pose significant health risks to urban minority children. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3