Related Experiment Videos
Hemorheology in occupational lead exposure
1Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Vienna, Austria.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Occupational lead exposure increases blood viscosity and red blood cell rigidity in men. This suggests lead exposure is a risk factor for vascular diseases and microvascular occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Toxicology
- Hemorheology
Background:
- Occupational lead exposure is a significant public health concern.
- Lead's impact on hemorheological parameters requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hemorheological parameters in occupationally lead-exposed men.
- To assess the relationship between blood lead levels and blood viscosity.
Main Methods:
- Measured whole blood viscosity (viscous and elastic components) at various shear rates in 15 lead-exposed men and 15 controls.
- Determined blood and urine lead concentrations and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase levels.
Main Results:
- Lead-exposed men showed significantly elevated blood viscosity (epsilon") across all shear rates, indicating increased erythrocyte rigidity.
- Erythrocyte aggregation and filtration indices were also significantly elevated in the exposed group.
- Positive correlation between blood lead and viscosity; inverse correlation with delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase.
Conclusions:
- Elevated blood lead concentrations are associated with adverse hemorheological changes.
- These changes may increase the risk of vascular diseases, particularly microvascular occlusion.