Environmental Lead Exposure Predicts Lower Bone Mineral Density in a Large Taiwanese Population-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Bone Metabolism
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic exposure to environmental lead (Pb) may negatively impact bone metabolism and increase osteoporosis risk.
• Large-scale epidemiological data on lead exposure and bone health are limited.
• This study investigated the association between long-term environmental Pb exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) in Taiwan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between chronic environmental lead exposure and bone mineral density (BMD).
• To assess the impact of lead exposure on bone T-scores in a large Taiwanese cohort.
• To identify environmental risk factors for osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 32,239 participants aged 30-70 years.
• Assessed BMD via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and calculated T-scores.
• Estimated environmental lead exposure using a validated Geo-AI model and employed regression analyses.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse association was found between lead exposure and baseline T-scores.
• Each 0.001 µg/m³ increase in airborne lead was linked to a -0.013 decrease in T-score.
• Longitudinal analysis showed lead exposure independently decreased within-individual T-score change over time.

Conclusions:

• Chronic environmental lead exposure is significantly associated with reduced bone mineral density.
• Findings highlight the importance of environmental risk assessment in osteoporosis screening.
• Public health strategies should address lead exposure to prevent osteoporosis, especially in vulnerable groups.