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The decrease in population bone lead levels in Canada between 1993 and 2010 as assessed by in vivo XRF
F E McNeill1, M Fisher, D R Chettle
1McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. Physics and Astronomy, Nuclear Research Building Room 230, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
Physiological Measurement
|October 3, 2017
Summary
Bone lead levels in Canada have significantly decreased over the past two decades, with bone lead stores in adults and children being substantially lower than in the 1990s. This reduction highlights the success of public health initiatives in minimizing lead exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lead exposure remains a significant public health concern, with bone serving as a long-term reservoir for lead.
- Previous studies in the early 1990s established baseline bone lead concentrations in various age groups.
- Understanding current bone lead levels is crucial for assessing the long-term impact of historical lead exposure and the effectiveness of interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure current bone lead concentrations in a Canadian population using in vivo X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
- To compare contemporary bone lead levels with historical data from the early 1990s.
- To assess the effectiveness of public health measures in reducing lead exposure and bone lead stores.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Toronto, Canada, between 2009 and 2011.
- Bone lead concentrations were measured in 1- to 82-year-old volunteers using in vivo XRF technology.
- Tibia lead content was analyzed to estimate lead half-lives in bone.
Main Results:
- Bone lead levels in 2009-2011 were significantly lower compared to studies from the early 1990s.
- Adult tibia lead content showed a 36-56% reduction in the slope versus age, indicating approximately half the bone lead levels compared to 17 years prior.
- Bone lead levels in individuals decreased over time, with a 57-year-old in 2010 having approximately 1/3 less bone lead than at age 40 in 1993. Estimated tibia lead half-lives were 7-26 years.
- Childhood tibia lead levels were found to be low, with evidence suggesting a reduction compared to the 1990s, although not statistically significant in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- In vivo XRF analysis confirms a substantial reduction in bone lead levels in Canada over the past two decades.
- Public health measures have been highly effective in reducing both ongoing lead exposure and accumulated bone lead stores.
- The findings indicate a positive trend in mitigating the long-term health impacts of lead exposure in the Canadian population.
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