Related Experiment Videos
Blood lead in the general population in Poland
M Jakubowski1, M Trzcinka-Ochocka, G Raźniewska
1Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lódź, Poland.
Insights
Lead levels in blood were higher near industrial mills, especially in children and males. Cigarette smoking also increased lead concentration, highlighting the need for targeted prevention in emission-affected areas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern.
- Industrial emissions are a potential source of lead contamination.
- Understanding lead exposure in different populations is crucial for health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lead concentration in venous blood (Pb-B) among inhabitants of areas with and without industrial lead emitters.
- To investigate the influence of proximity to zinc and copper mills on Pb-B levels.
- To examine factors such as age, sex, cigarette smoking, and maternal-child relationships on Pb-B.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 1122 inhabitants (555 children) in non-industrial towns (Group I) and 1246 persons (707 children) near industrial mills (Group II).
- Analyzed blood samples using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS).
- Ensured laboratory quality through participation in an external quality control scheme (1992-1994).
Main Results:
- Significantly higher mean geometric Pb-B concentrations were found in Group II compared to Group I across all age groups and sexes.
- Pb-B levels decreased with increasing distance from industrial emission sources.
- Cigarette smoking significantly increased Pb-B levels in both males and females.
- A significant correlation between maternal and child Pb-B was observed, with a child-to-mother Pb-B ratio of ~1.0 in Group I and ~0.5 in Group II.
Conclusions:
- Lead exposure in Poland is primarily linked to specific point sources of emission, not widespread environmental contamination.
- Proximity to zinc and copper mills significantly elevates blood lead levels.
- Targeted preventive actions are necessary in lead-contaminated areas, particularly around industrial emission sites.
Abstract:
Lead concentration in venous blood (Pb-B) was investigated in 1122 inhabitants (including 555 children under 10 years of age) of five Polish towns with no large industrial lead emitters (group I) and in 1246 persons (707 children under 10 years of age) living in the vicinity of zinc and copper mills (group II). The samples were analysed using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and the performing laboratory participated in the external quality control scheme during the study period (1992-1994). In group I the mean geometric Pb-B concentrations ranged from 23.8 to 48.3 micrograms/l in females, from 42.5 to 76.8 micrograms/l in males and from 29.9 to 62.5 micrograms/l in children. In group II, the mean geometric Pb-B concentrations were significantly higher and ranged from 49.4 to 105 micrograms/l in females, from 98.5 to 149 micrograms/l in males and from 73.7 to 114 micrograms/l in children, the values decreasing as the distance from the source of emission increased. Cigarette smoking was found to bring about a significant increase in Pb-B levels for both males and females. A significant correlation was noted between Pb-B concentrations in mothers and children. The ratio between child and maternal Pb-B concentrations amounted to approximately 1.0 for group I and to about 0.5 for group II. These findings indicate the necessity of undertaking preventive activities over the lead-contaminated areas. However, the lead hazard in Poland seems to be associated with point sources of emission and hence does not concern the whole population.