The report explores the interplay between environmental pollutants and nutritional factors across developing countries using isotopic and nuclear techniques. The findings emphasize the role of biomarkers such as breast milk and placental tissue to track pollutant exposure and nutritional status. It identifies critical relationships between toxic heavy metals (e.g., As, Pb, Hg, Cd) and micronutrients (e.g., Fe, Zn, Ca, Cu), assessing their collective impact on human health. The study recommends harmonized methods and protocols to measure these interactions.
The report highlights the widespread impact of lead poisoning in India, emphasizing elevated blood lead levels among children and adults due to sources like contaminated water, soil, and occupational exposure. It discusses the health implications, including neurological damage and developmental delays, and recommends strategies for remediation, regulation, and public awareness to combat lead exposure.
Among the heavy metals lead plays no known role in the human body with no deficiency syndromes and a trace of it impairs body physiology. According to WHO health criteria (1995) mining smelting and refining as well as the manufacturing of lead obtaining compounds and goods, can give rise to lead exposure. Health hazards of the human environment include undue exposure to lead remains serious public health concerns (WHO, 1995). Mining and smelting activities of lead are well known to create health problems in local area. Lead poisoning was studied in a mining area of odisha. The study area taken is in between the radius of 5km. from the mining site. Villages taken for study are located approximately one Km distance of each other from core mining area. People of different age groups and sex living in different distances are considered for observation. It was found that the incidence of body lead burden is significantly higher in exposed area than the control area which is 10Km away from mining site. In this study the level of PbU and δ-ALAU is considered. The level of δ-ALA was measured to observe interference of lead in haem biosynthesis. The PbU level increases with increase in age up to 35years and slight decrease in PbU level is seen in the people aged above 35. The δ-ALAU level also increases with increase in age and decrease with increase in distance from the mining site. The level of δ-ALAU increasesbeyond normal above PbU level 10µg/lit.. A considerable increase in δ-ALAU level is seen in PbU level >30µg/lit.. In most of the cases the co-relation co-efficient ‘r’ value is above 0.5 with P<0.01. Increase in PbU level increases δ-ALAU level which shows lead interferes significantly with the formation of haem from protoporphyrin in blood, thus clearly indicates its toxic effect on human health..
Background: Lead is toxic to children and effects the cognitive development. The primary objective was to assess the association of blood lead level (BLL) with cognitive performance and general intelligence, of urban school going children aged 6–16 years from ten cities of India. Secondary objective was to assess the association of anaemia with cognitive performance and general intelligence. Method: In this cross-sectional multicentric study, general intelligence was assessed by colored progressive matrices (CPM)/standard progressive matrices (SPM) test, visual-spatial ability through coding, attention and concentration ability through digit span and working memory through arithmetic tests. Blood samples of par ticipants were collected to assess lead levels. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric measures were also collected. Results: From April 2019–February 2020, 2247 participants with equal gender distribution were enrolled from 60 schools. The median (IQR) BLL was 8.8 (4.8, 16.4) μg/dl. We found that BLL was significantly associated with attention and concentration ability and 1 μg/dl increase in BLL decreases the performance by odds of 1.02 (95 % CI 1.01–1.03). Anaemia is found to be associated with ‘borderline or dull normal’ performance for general in telligence [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.93 (95 % CI 1.53–2.45)], visual-spatial [AOR = 1.35 (95 % CI 1.03–1.76)], attention and concentration [AOR = 1.30 (95 % CI 1.02–1.66)], working memory [AOR = 1.69 (95 % CI 1.34–2.12)] abilities. Conclusion: Since increasing BLL decreases cognitive performance and anaemia decreased both cognitive per formance and intelligence, attempts must be made to keep BLL as low as possible and prevent exposure in school going children
This study was conducted to monitor lead poisoning, if any, in pregnant women of Meerut City, a town of Northern India. The parameters selected included urinary concentration of lead and 𝛿-aminolevulinic acid. Further, whole body oxidative stress caused by environmental lead exposure has also been determined through urinary concentration of thiobarbituric acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Present results show that lead concentration in pregnant women (26-30 years) was higher (52±0.01 µg/dL) than younger (20-25 years) (40±0.01 µg/dL) and older (31-40 years) (43±0.01 µg/dL) women. Further, highest concentration of 𝛿-aminolevulinic acid in urine (2.60±0.55 mg/l) was also recorded in the pregnant women aged between 26-30 years. Women in the age group of 20-25 years and consuming non-vegetarian diet showed comparatively higher values for TBARS (5.56±0.6 µM). Higher concentration of lead in the urine samples of pregnant women than non-pregnant women is attributed to calcium stress and its increased release from bones during pregnancy. It is concluded that pregnant women of north India and their growing fetuses are more vulnerable to environmental lead poisoning
Prenatal and early childhood lead exposures impair cognitive development. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh and to identify sources of lead exposure. We analyzed the BLLs of 430 pregnant women randomly selected from rural communities in central Bangladesh. Fifty-seven cases were selected with the highest BLLs, ≥ 7 μg/dL, and 59 controls were selected with the lowest BLLs, < 2 μg/dL. An exposure questionnaire was administered and soil, rice, turmeric, water, traditional medicine, agrochemical, and can samples were analyzed for lead contamination. Of all 430 women, 132 (31%) had BLLs > 5 μg/dL. Most women with elevated BLLs were spatially clustered. Cases were 2.6 times more likely than controls to consume food from a can (95% CI 1.0-6.3, p = 0.04); 3.6 times more likely to use Basudin, a specific brand of pesticide (95% CI 1.6-7.9, p = 0.002); 3.6 times more likely to use Rifit, a specific brand of herbicide (95% CI 1.7-7.9, p = 0.001); 2.9 times more likely to report using any herbicides (95% CI 1.2-7.3, p = 0.02); and 3.3 times more likely to grind rice (95% CI 1.3-8.4, p = 0.01). Five out of 28 food storage cans were lead-soldered. However, there was minimal physical evidence of lead contamination from 382 agrochemical samples and 129 ground and unground rice samples. Among 17 turmeric samples, one contained excessive lead (265 μg/g) and chromium (49 μg/g). Overall, we found evidence of elevated BLLs and multiple possible sources of lead exposure in rural Bangladesh. Further research should explicate and develop interventions to interrupt these pathways.
Objectives: To determine the concentrations of blood lead (PbB) in pregnant women in the slums of Lucknow, north India.
Methods: Of the 203 designated municipal slums in Lucknow, 70 were randomly selected for study and a cohort of 500 pregnant women was enrolled. Each participant was interviewed with questions on possible sources of exposure to lead, surrogates of nutritional status were measured, and PbB was measured.
Results: The mean PbB was 14.3 micrograms/dl and 19.2% of women had PbB > or = 20 micrograms/dl. PbB was not associated with age, height, weight, gestation, or history of abortions, although higher PbB was associated with higher parity. Women living inner city neighbourhoods near heavy vehicular traffic had PbB 2.2 micrograms/dl higher (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.8 to 3.6) than those living in other neighbourhoods. The PbB was not associated with reported use of piped water or the presence of paint in homes, and increasing PbB was unexpectedly associated with decreasing use of eye cosmetic “surma” and the duration of gestation.
Conclusions: The high PbB found in this population raises concern about fetal development and points to the urgent need to reduce exposure to lead.
Objectives: Lead exposure in children contributes to 600,000 new cases of intellectual disabilities every year with maximum occurrence in developing countries. Currently limited information is available on the blood lead level (BLL) in children of India. The aim was to estimate BLL in the school going children of local population of Jodhpur. Methods: Four hundred twenty-six primary school children of government and private schools participated in this cross-sectional study. Information regarding possible lead exposure was collected. BLL was estimated on Lead Care II analyser (Magellan Diagnostics, USA). Results: The mean and median BLL were 4.25 ± 1.75 μg/dL (<3.3–22.6 μg/dL) and 3.5 μg/dL (Inter Quartile Range 0.9). BLL was higher in children of illiterate mothers, those residing near dense traffic areas, urban regions and studying in government schools of urban regions. Conclusions: BLL in children residing in Jodhpur is much higher in comparison to western counterparts. Screening and awareness programs regarding potential sources of lead exposure can help in improving BLL.
Background Since the global phase-out of leaded petrol, reports have suggested that lead exposure remains substantial or is increasing in some low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, few studies have attempted to systematically assess blood lead levels over the full range of LMICs. We aimed to describe values for blood lead level in LMICs. MethodsIn this systematic review, we searched PubMed for studies published between Jan 1, 2010, and Oct 31, 2019, that reported blood lead levels in the 137 countries in World Bank LMIC groupings. Studies were reviewed for inclusion if they contained blood lead level data from human populations residing in any given country; comprised at least 30 participants; presented blood lead level data derived from venous, capillary, or umbilical cord samples of whole blood; had data that were collected after Dec 31, 2004; and were published in English. Data on blood lead level were extracted and pooled, as appropriate, to make country-specific estimates of the distribution of background blood lead levels among children and adults, along with information on specific sources of exposure where available. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018108706. Findings Our search yielded 12 695 studies, of which 520 were eligible for inclusion (1100 sampled populations from 49 countries comprising 1 003 455 individuals). Pooled mean blood lead concentrations in children ranged from 1·66 µg/dL (SD 3·31) in Ethiopia to 9·30 µg/dL (11·73) in Palestine, and in adults from 0·39 µg/dL (1·25) in Sudan to 11·36 µg/dL (5·20) in Pakistan. Background values for blood lead level in children could be pooled in 34 countries and were used to estimate background distributions for 1·30 billion of them. 632 million children (95% CI 394 million–780 million; 48·5%) were estimated to have a blood lead level exceeding the US Centers for Disease Control’s reference value of 5 µg/dL. Major sources of lead exposure were informal lead acid battery recycling and manufacture, metal mining and processing, electronic waste, and the use of lead as a food adulterant, primarily in spices. Interpretation Many children have a blood lead level exceeding 5 µg/dL in LMICs, despite leaded petrol phase-outs. Given the toxicity of lead, even at low amounts of exposure, urgent attention is required to control exposures and to expand population-based sampling in countries with no or scant data
Background and Aim: With the growth of the world’s economy and industrialization, lead (Pb) contamination in the environment has become a major issue on a global scale. Lead is typically linked to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, low birth weight preterm, and spontaneous abortion. In this study, we evaluated the blood lead levels of pregnant women and their birth outcomes attending an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital, those who were not exposed to any lead-associated industry or shops.
Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate blood lead estimation in pregnant women and umbilical blood lead levels in a community hospital. Blood samples from 104 mothers during the 1st trimester, 90 mothers during 3rd trimester, and from the umbilical cord were collected. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demographics, medical history, and concerns linked to pregnancy. Following acid digestion, the levels of lead in whole blood were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The DNA damage in high blood lead-concentrated pregnant women was evaluated by comet assay methods.
Results: Among 194 blood samples of pregnant women, 31 (15.98%) samples revealed ≥5 μg/dL blood lead levels. High lead concentration (≥5 µg/dL) in 1st trimester pregnant women, end of 3rd trimester and cord blood were detected 20.19%, 11.11% and 1.11% respectively. The mean blood lead levels in 1st trimester, 3rd trimester, and cord blood were 3.88 ± 3.19, 2.66 ± 1.82, and 1.53 ± 1.06 mg/dL, respectively. The blood lead concentrations were significantly higher in the 1st trimester of pregnancy than in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.0017). A positive correlation between maternal and infant blood lead levels was revealed (P < 0.0001). When the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic consequences of elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy, higher amounts of DNA damage were found in the samples (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: In this descriptive study, there was a significant amount of lead transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. All mothers were not exposed to lead-associated industry and most were housewives. This article may be viewed as an eye-opener for understanding the blood lead concentration during pregnancy to avoid abnormal birth outcomes. To minimize exposure to environmental lead, all possible measures should be undertaken.
BACKGROUND: Lead exposure has previously been associated with intellectual impairment in children in a number of international studies. In India, it has been reported that nearly half of the children have elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). However, little is known about risk factors for these elevated BLLs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from the Indian National Family Health Survey, a population-based study conducted in 1998-1999. We assessed potential correlates of BLLs in 1,081 children who were < 3 years of age and living in Mumbai or Delhi, India. We examined factorsuch as age, sex, religion, caste, mother's education, standard of living, breast-feeding, and weight/height percentile. RESULTS: Most children (76%) had BLLs between 5 and 20 ug/dL. Age, standard of living, weight/height percentile, and total number of children ever born to the mother were significandy associated with BLLs (log transformed) in multivariate regression models. Compared with children < 3 months of age, children 4?11 and 12-23 month of age had 84 and 146% higher BLLs, respec? tively (p < 0.001). A low standard of living correlated with a 32.3% increase in BLLs (p = 0.02). Children greater than the 95th percentile for their weight/height had 31% (p = 0.03) higher BLLs compared with those who were below the 5th percentile for their weight/height. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found various factors correlated with elevated BLLs in children. The cor? relation between greater than the 95 th percentile weight/height and higher BLL may reflect an impact of lead exposure on body habitus. Our study may help in targeting susceptible populations and identifying correctable factors for elevated BLLs in Mumbai and Delhi.
The study evaluates subclinical lead toxicity in 23 monocasters occupationally exposed to lead. It identifies significant adverse effects on hematopoietic and renal systems, including decreased ALAD activity and increased urinary NAG levels, both indicative of lead-related toxicity. The research suggests non-invasive biochemical techniques for early detection and preventive measures.
Abstract- Children are more susceptible to lead (Pb) toxicity than adults as exposures to environmental pollutants during windows of developmental vulnerability in early life can cause disease and death in infancy and childhood. Objective:The current study aims to assess lead exposure in children in the industrial belt of Jharsuguda. Materials and Methods: This observational study with a comparator group was conducted between May 2019 to April 2020. This study assessed the BLLs of a cohort of 251 children attending the pediatrics outpatient department in Government medical, Jharsuguda, and 175 comparators within the age group 1 to 13 years. Experimental subjects from medical records were analyzed through a complete screening, demography, and health examination. For industrial exposure analysis, contaminants in soil samples collected from 9 sampling sites and BLL were analyzed by AAS and US EPA methods. It will assist in policy making regarding safe disposal of lead and prepare strategy for better health and sanitation for the local community. Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, Odds ratio (OR) and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. Results: Analysis of 251 study participants revealed males (157 / 62.5%) dominated over females (94 / 37.5%) with M: F 1.6:1. A statistically significant association was found between anemia and the study group (OR with 95% CI: 3.49, 2.32, 5.26; p < 0.001); good negative correlation (‘r’- 0.616, p < 0.001) was found between blood lead and soil lead levels. The highest concentration of lead (Pb) was observed at wastewater irrigated sites during the post-monsoon period than monsoon and lowest in the pre-monsoon period (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Childhood lead poisoning accounts for a substantial burden in Jharsuguda resulting in various health impacts that can be prevented. Key-words- Lead toxicity, blood lead level, absorption spectroscopy, anaemia, under-nutrition
Abstract: The study investigates lead poisoning around a lead mine in Odisha. Blood Lead Levels (PbB) and Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP) were analyzed in males of different age groups living at varying distances from the mine. PbB and EP levels increased with proximity to the mine, with PbB levels exceeding recommended limits for children within a 1 km radius. The study highlights significant toxic effects of lead exposure, particularly on hem synthesis, and provides evidence of a correlation between PbB and EP levels.
A recent systematic review reported very high pooled estimates of blood lead levels (BLLs) for Indian children, igniting the need for remedial action by national stakeholders. Current study aimed at systematically pooling the BLLs of Indian children (aged ≤ 14 years) available from the literature. Further, explore the time trend of BLLs with respect to implementing the ban on the use of Pb petrol (i.e. 2000) and a decade later (2010) to the implementation.
