Lead in Human Blood From Children Living in Campania, Italy

Abstract

Blood lead (PbB) levels were determined in children living in Campania (in Naples and in a rural zone in the district of Caserta). Atmospheric lead (PbA) concentration in these considered areas was monitored for 1 yr (1993-1994). The children tested were questioned about common sources of lead, other than atmospheric, relating to their living and dietary habits. The PbB levels in children living in Naples were, at the 50th percentile, 13.8 micrograms/dl in males and 13.7 micrograms/dl in females; in children living in the rural area the median PbB levels were 8.9 micrograms/dl in males and and 8.8 micrograms/dl in females. The annual mean values of atmospheric lead were 1.15 +/- 0.24 micrograms/m3 in Naples and 0.23 +/- 0.07 micrograms/m3 in the rural area. Significant and congruent mean differences between urban and rural sites were found in children's blood and concurrent air lead. Considering the PbB level of 10 micrograms/dl as the maximum level that is not associated any known adverse effect in children, the Neapolitan group can be considered at risk of chronic intoxication by lead.

Elements levels in dogs from “triangle of death” and different areas of Campania region (Italy)

“…Blood concentrations are also comparable to those observed in children and adolescents from urban and rural areas of Campania region (Perrone et al, 1999), indicating safe, decreasing hematic lead concentrations in the area with respect to a previous, similar work by Amodio-Cocchieri et al (1996).…”

Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment

“…In children, these studies have shown an association between blood level poisoning and diminished intelligence, lower intelligence quotient-IQ, delayed or impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased hearing acuity, speech and language handicaps, growth retardation, poor attention span, and anti social and diligent behaviors [178, 179, 184, 185]. In the adult population, reproductive effects, such as decreased sperm count in men and spontaneous abortions in women have been associated with high lead exposure [186, 187].…”

Correlation between total blood lead values and peripheral blood counts in workers occupationally exposed to urban stressors

“…[14,33,60] It is well known that the hematopoietic system is one of the most important target organs of Pb toxicity. [61,62] Literature studies have shown that erythrocytes have a high Pb affinity and subjects exposed to air Pb who had anemia, also had plasma Pb levels significantly higher compared with a non-exposed control group.…”