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In 2010, Puerto Rico experienced a cluster of childhood lead poisoning cases stemming from parental occupational exposure to lead. Following the immediate response to this crisis, a dedicated coalition of pediatricians and public health practitioners sustained a collaborative effort to advance pediatric environmental health initiatives across Puerto Rico. Their commitment laid the groundwork for the establishment and evolution of Puerto Rico's comprehensive Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Blood Lead Level Surveillance Program. This compelling case study showcases the potential for concerted, multidisciplinary action to leverage an acute event to influence public policy and clinical practice to promote children's health. By drawing on the lessons learned and strategies used in Puerto Rico, other jurisdictions can overcome challenges in pursuit of enhanced secondary lead poisoning prevention measures, with the goal of achieving primary prevention in the near future.

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INTRODUCTION: Lead poisoning in childhood remains an important public health concern. We highlight the radiological findings in a patient with a high blood lead concentration. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old girl presented to hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, and asthenia. Laboratory tests showed severe hypochromic microcytic anemia, punctate basophilic stippling of erythrocytes, and a blood lead concentration of 880 µg/L (4.3 µmol/L). IMAGES: Radiographs of the femur, tibia, and fibula demonstrated dense metaphyseal bands ("lead lines"). On cranial computed tomography, we observed multiple speck-like and curvilinear hyperdensities involving subcortical regions, putamen, and left cerebellar hemisphere. CONCLUSION: In patients with lead poisoning, imaging of the brain and bones may show characteristic features. These imaging findings may point to the diagnosis of lead toxicity when these radiographic findings are discovered during the evaluation of vague complaints such as abdominal pain or mental status changes or when a blood lead concentration is not readily available.

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Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009-19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 µg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 µg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 µg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 µg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 µg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 µg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015-19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 µg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children.

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Lead is a heavy metal and an important cause of acute or chronic toxicosis in humans, domestic, and wild animals. This report aims to describe a case of chronic lead poisoning in a jaguar (Panthera onca) kept under human care that was rescued from the wild environment. The animal was rescued in poor condition in 2004 and kept under human care at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden (Minas Gerais, Brazil) until 2020, when it presented with anorexia, vomiting and ataxia. Over the past years the animal had episodes of anemia and increased serum urea and creatinine. Radiography demonstrated 21 radiopaque projectiles on the right side of the face. At necropsy there were multiple projectiles surrounded by fibrous tissue in the subcutaneous of the right side of the face, fibrinous peritonitis, multiple gastric ulcers, and melena. The lead dosage was performed using the atomic absorption spectrometry technique using renal tissue collected at necropsy, with a result of 908 ppb (µg/kg). The findings of projectiles associated with the dosage of lead above the reference limits allow the diagnosis of chronic intoxication in this case.

Chumbo é um metal pesado e uma causa importante de toxicose crônica no homem e em animais domésticos e selvagens. Este relato teve como objetivo descrever um caso de intoxicação crônica por chumbo em uma onça-pintada (Panthera onca), mantida sob cuidados humanos, que foi resgatada de seu ambiente natural em 2004, em pobre condição corporal. O animal foi encaminhado ao zoológico de Belo Horizonte (MG, Brasil), onde permaneceu até 2020, quando desenvolveu anorexia, vômitos e ataxia. Durante os últimos anos, o animal teve episódios de anemia e aumento da concentração sérica de ureia e creatinina. O exame radiográfico demonstrou 21 projéteis radiodensos na face direita. À necropsia, foram observados vários projéteis envoltos por tecido conjuntivo no subcutâneo da face esquerda, peritonite fibrinosa, múltiplas úlceras gástricas e melena. A concentração de chumbo foi determinada por espectrometria de absorção atômica em amostras de tecido renal, indicando 908 ppb (µg/kg). O achado de projéteis de chumbo associado à elevada concentração de chumbo é compatível com intoxicação crônica por chumbo neste caso.

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Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is one of the primary sources of animal protein for the Brazilian population. Thus, the safety of this food is highly relevant. This study was based on the evidence of severe contamination of these animals by metals such as lead in Santo Amaro, Bahia. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate associations between lead levels in blood of chicken exposed to a contaminated area with the occurrence of chromosomal alterations, evidencing genotoxic effects. Serum lead analysis was performed by GF-AAS after dilution with a matrix modifier solution (Triton X-100 0.2% v/v and HNO3 0.1% v/v), while chromosomal damage was evaluated using the comet assay. The results showed genotoxic effects (positive comet assay) only for the specimen sample with higher serum lead concentrations (33.9 µg dL-1), suggesting the occurrence of toxic effects at this level of exposure. This work evaluated a relationship between the reduction of serum lead levels in chicken and increased distance from the primary polluting source - a lead processing plant (COBRAC). It also showed that lead is bioavailable in this territory, contaminating chicken and causing genotoxic effects in these animals, further expanding the concern with the local biota and the health of the residents of Santo Amaro.

O frango (Gallus gallus domesticus) é uma das principais fontes de proteína animal para população brasileira, sendo que a segurança deste alimento é extremamente relevante. Assim, evidências de severa contaminação dessas aves, por metais como chumbo no município de Santo Amaro - BA, estimularam a realização deste estudo. O objetivo deste estudo exploratório foi avaliar associações entre os níveis de chumbo no sangue de frangos expostos a área contaminada com a ocorrência de alterações cromossômicas, evidenciando efeitos genotóxicos. As análises de chumbo sérico foram realizadas por GF-AAS após diluição em uma solução modificadora de matriz (Triton X-100 0,2% v/v e HNO3 0,1% v/v), enquanto os danos cromossômicos foram avaliados empregando o teste cometa. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram efeitos genotóxicos (teste cometa positivo) apenas para amostra do espécime que apresentou concentrações séricas de chumbo mais elevadas (33.9 µg dL-1), sugerindo a ocorrência de efeitos tóxicos neste nível de exposição. Neste trabalho foi possível avaliar claramente uma relação entre a redução dos níveis séricos de chumbo no frango com o aumento da distância da principal fonte poluidora - uma fábrica de processamento de chumbo (COBRAC). O presente estudo evidenciou que neste território o chumbo está biodisponível, contaminando aves de criação e acarretando em efeitos genotóxicos nestes animais, ampliando ainda mais a preocupação com a biota local e com a saúde dos moradores de Santo Amaro.

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Exposure to lead in environmental and occupational settings continues to be a serious public health problem. At environmentally relevant doses, two mechanisms may underlie lead exposition-induced genotoxicity, disruption of the redox balance and an interference with DNA repair systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of lead exposition to induce impaired function of Ape1 and its impact on DNA repair capacity of workers chronically exposed to lead in a battery recycling plant. Our study included 53 participants, 37 lead exposed workers and 16 non-lead exposed workers. Lead intoxication was characterized by high blood lead concentration, high lipid peroxidation and low activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD). Relevantly, we found a loss of DNA repair capacity related with down-regulation of a set of specific DNA repair genes, showing specifically, for the first time, the role of Ape1 down regulation at transcriptional and protein levels in workers exposed to lead. Additionally, using a functional assay we found an impaired function of Ape1 that correlates with high blood lead concentration and lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these data suggest that occupational exposure to lead could decrease DNA repair capacity, inhibiting the function of Ape1, as well other repair genes through the regulation of the ZF-transcription factor, promoting the genomic instability.

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Introducción. La exposición ambiental a plomo (Pb) aún constituye un problema de salud pública, particularmente para los niños. El estrés oxidativo podría representar un mecanismo primario asociado a su toxicidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los niveles de Pb en sangre (Pb-S) en niños de 1 a 6 años de La Plata y alrededores con exposición ambiental, y su relación con biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo. Población y métodos. Estudio analítico de corte transversal. Se evaluaron niños clínicamente sanos de 1 a 6 años. Se determinaron los niveles de Pb-S, las actividades de enzimas antioxidantes y el grado de peroxidación lipídica. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico R versión 3.5.1. Resultados. Participaron 131 niños, mediana de edad 2,33 años. La media geométrica de los niveles de Pb-S fue 1,90 µg/dL; el 32 % presentó plombemias cuantificables y el 3 %, niveles ≥5 µg/dL (referencia internacional). Al comparar los biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo según los niveles de Pb-S, solo se observó diferencia significativa entre las medianas de las sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS): 12,0 versus 10,0 nmol MDA/mL plasma; p = 0,02. Asimismo, la correlación entre las plombemias y las TBARS fue positiva (r = 0,24; p = 0,012). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los niños mostraron niveles de Pb-S menores a los límites recomendados por agencias internacionales, que si bien, no producen alteraciones en la actividad de enzimas antioxidantes, sí inducen peroxidación lipídica. Estos resultados reflejan la utilidad de este biomarcador como una herramienta diagnóstica temprana para evaluar los efectos subtóxicos del Pb.

Introduction. Environmental exposure to lead is still a major public health problem, especially in children. Oxidative stress may be a primary mechanism associated with toxicity. Theobjective of this study was to measure blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 1 to 6 years expos to lead in La Plata and suburban areas and their relation to oxidative stress biomarkers. Population and methods. Cross-sectional,analytical study. Clinically healthy children aged1 to 6 years were analyzed. BLLs, antioxidant enzyme activity, and extent of lipid peroxidation were measured. The statistical softwarepackage R, version 3.5.1, was used. Results. A total of 131 children participated; their median age was 2.33 years. The geometric mean of BLLs was 1.90 µg/dL; 32% showed a measurable BLL and 3%, BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL (international reference). The comparison ofoxidative stress biomarkers based on BLshowed a significant difference in median thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS):12.0 versus 10.0 nmol MDA/mL of plasma;p = 0.02. In addition, the correlation between BLLs and TBARS was positive (r = 0.24; p = 0.012 Conclusions. Most children had a BLL below the limit recommended by international agencies; although such BLLs do not affantioxidant enzyme activity, they can induce lipid peroxidation. These results demonstrate theusefulness of this biomarker as an early diagnosistool to assess subtoxic lead effects.

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INTRODUCTION: Environmental exposure to lead is still a major public health problem, especially in children. Oxidative stress may be a primary mechanism associated with toxicity. The objective of this study was to measure blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 1 to 6 years exposed to lead in La Plata and suburban areas and their relation to oxidative stress biomarkers. POPULATION AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical study. Clinically healthy children aged 1 to 6 years were analyzed. BLLs, antioxidant enzyme activity, and extent of lipid peroxidation were measured. The statistical software package R, version 3.5.1, was used. RESULTS: A total of 131 children participated; their median age was 2.33 years. The geometric mean of BLLs was 1.90 µg/dL; 32% showed a measurable BLL and 3%, BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL (international reference). The comparison of oxidative stress biomarkers based on BLLs showed a significant difference in median thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS): 12.0 versus 10.0 nmol MDA/mL of plasma; p = 0.02. In addition, the correlation between BLLs and TBARS was positive (r = 0.24; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Most children had a BLL below the limit recommended by international agencies; although such BLLs do not affect antioxidant enzyme activity, they can induce lipid peroxidation. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this biomarker as an early diagnosis tool to assess subtoxic lead effects.

Introducción. La exposición ambiental a plomo (Pb) aún constituye un problema de salud pública, particularmente para los niños. El estrés oxidativo podría representar un mecanismo primario asociado a su toxicidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los niveles de Pb en sangre (Pb-S) en niños de 1 a 6 años de La Plata y alrededores con exposición ambiental, y su relación con biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo. Población y métodos. Estudio analítico de corte transversal. Se evaluaron niños clínicamente sanos de 1 a 6 años. Se determinaron los niveles de Pb-S, las actividades de enzimas antioxidantes y el grado de peroxidación lipídica. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico R versión 3.5.1. Resultados. Participaron 131 niños, mediana de edad 2,33 años. La media geométrica de los niveles de Pb-S fue 1,90 µg/dL; el 32 % presentó plombemias cuantificables y el 3 %, niveles ≥5 µg/dL (referencia internacional). Al comparar los biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo según los niveles de Pb-S, solo se observó diferencia significativa entre las medianas de las sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS): 12,0 versus 10,0 nmol MDA/mL plasma; p = 0,02. Asimismo, la correlación entre las plombemias y las TBARS fue positiva (r = 0,24; p = 0,012). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los niños mostraron niveles de Pb-S menores a los límites recomendados por agencias internacionales, que si bien, no producen alteraciones en la actividad de enzimas antioxidantes, sí inducen peroxidación lipídica. Estos resultados reflejan la utilidad de este biomarcador como una herramienta diagnóstica temprana para evaluar los efectos subtóxicos del Pb.

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Lead is one of the 10 most toxic chemicals of greatest concern for its effects on public health. Predominantly, in undeveloped countries, high blood lead levels (BLLs) persist in the population. To develop intervention strategies that may reduce lead exposure in populations, it is a priority to know the sources of lead pollution. The objective of this critical review and meta-analysis is to assess whether there is an association between different sources of lead exposure and the mean difference in blood lead levels in people exposed. To identify the major lead source exposure, a statistical analysis was performed on selection studies. This investigation reveals the limited information available on the sources of lead in Mexico and other lead producer countries, such as Croatia, Ecuador, Brazil, South Korea, India, Nigeria, Turkey, and China. Meta-analysis could be performed only in battery, smelting mining, and glazed ceramic workers. Battery manufacturing workers have the highest mean difference level of lead in their blood worldwide. Mexico has the second highest mean difference BLL in battery workers in the world. An interesting difference between the mean difference in BLL in mining workers from uncontrolled industry (-39.38) and controlled industry (-5.68) was found. This difference highlighted the success of applying strict control of lead sources and community education to reduce BLL and its potential harmful effects on human health and the environment. Children living near mining sites have the highest mean difference BLL (-11.1). This analysis may aid in assessing the source of lead exposure associated with a range of BLLs in people. Furthermore, this review highlights several social and cultural patterns associated with lead exposure and lead levels in control populations. These results could help to develop international lead regulations and appropriate public health guidelines to protect people around the world.

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BACKGROUND: Traditional Mexican potters and their families have been occupationally exposed to lead for centuries; however, studies on blood lead levels (BLL) and their adverse health impact on this population are scarce. There is no safe BLL, even at 1 µg/dL there are associated health effects. OBJECTIVE: To systematize and characterize Mexican potters' historic lead exposure through their BLL and associated health outcomes. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review through January 2021 of published studies on BLL and associated health outcomes in Mexican potters. RESULTS: Fifteen studies containing data from 1980 to 2013 met the inclusion criteria and were published between 1980 and 2018. Study populations ranged from n = 5 to n = 457, and included adult potters (mean BLL 37.9 ± 16.2 µg/dL) and/or their children (mean BLL 22.5 ± 10.5 µg/dL). Studies reported on general lead poisoning symptoms, neurotoxic and nephrotoxic outcomes as well as correlated biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm high occupational and para-occupational lead exposure. Despite governmental and non-governmental initiatives to promote lead-free glazes, lead continues to be used by traditional potters and their families.

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Resumen El Plomo ha tenido una estrecha relación con el mundo artístico pictórico a través de los pigmentos utilizados por los artistas durante milenios. El íntimo contacto con sustancias químicas potencialmente peligrosas para la salud, casi siempre sin medidas de higiene y seguridad laboral, ha desarrollado en muchos casos, enfermedades laborales en estos artistas, a veces sospechadas y en otros casos, más que confirmadas. En el presente trabajo se analiza la historia de vida laboral de Miguel Angel Buonarroti, de quien se tiene registro suficiente como para establecer un nexo causal con exposición laboral al Plomo.

Abstract Lead has shown a close relationship with the fine arts'world through the pigments used by artists for thousand of years. Close contact with potentially dangerous chemical substances for health, almost always without occupational hygiene and safety measures, has produced, in many cases, occupational illnesses in these artists, sometimes suspected and in other cases, more than confirmed. In the present work, the history of Miguel Angel Buonarroti's working life is analyzed, since there is sufficient record to establish a causal link with occupational exposure to Lead.

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BACKGROUND: High blood lead levels (BLLs) have been previously reported in indigenous people living in communities in the northern Peruvian Amazon. Oil extraction activities have been conducted in the area since the 1970s and have been identified as a source of lead exposure. OBJECTIVE: Measure BLL and assess risk factors associated with BLL among indigenous populations from four river basins of the northern Peruvian Amazon. METHODS: Participants from 39 communities were selected using a two-stage stratified random selection strategy and were visited between May and June 2016. Information on risk factors was collected using structured questionnaires and blood samples were taken. Overall, complete information was available from 1047 individuals (309 < 12 years old, 738 ≥ 12 years). BLL was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a graphite chamber. Weighted linear logistic regression models were used to study the association between socio-demographic variables, self-reported life-style factors, environmental, geographical and occupational exposures and BLLs. RESULTS: Geometric mean (95% CI) BLL was 4.9 (4.5, 5.4) µg/dL in participants <12 years and 5.7 (5.4, 6.0) µg/dL in older participants. There were marked differences in BLL between river basins with the highest levels observed in the Corrientes river basin [8.1 (7.2, 9.1) µg/dL <12 years and 8.8 (8.0, 9.6) µg/dL older participants]. High BLL was associated with older age, being male, living in the Pastaza, Tigre or Corrientes river basins and consumption of fish offal in children and adults. Increased Euclidean distance between residence and oil production facilities was associated with a small reduction in BLL. CONCLUSION: BLLs that pose a health risk were detected in the study population of a non-industrialized and remote area of the Amazon. The highest BLLs were observed in those river basins where relative oil extraction activity and environmental levels of contaminants have been reported to be greatest.

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In French Guiana were detected high lead (Pb) levels in blood of Amerindian people. Lead exposure is a serious hazard that can affect the cognitive and behavior development. People can be exposed to Pb through occupational and environmental sources. Fingerprinting based on stable Pb isotopes in environmental media is often used to trace natural and anthropogenic sources but is rarely paired with blood data. The objective of this study was to determine the main factors associated with high Blood Lead Levels (BLL). Soil, manioc tubers, food bowls, beverages, wild games, lead pellets and children blood were sampled in small villages along the Oyapock River. children BLL ranged between 5.7 and 35 µg dL-1, all exceeding 5 µg dL-1, the reference value proposed in epidemiologic studies for lead poisoning. Among the different dietary sources, manioc tubers and large game contained elevated Pb concentrations while manioc-based dishes were diluted. The isotopes ratios (207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) of children blood overlapped these of lead shots and meals. These first results confirm for the first time, the diary consumption of manioc-based food as the main contributor to Amerindian children's BLL in French Guiana, but don't exclude the occasional exposure to lead bullets by hunting activities. This is a specific health concern, since previous studies have shown that these same villagers present high levels of mercury (Hg). These communities are indeed subject to a double exposure to neurotoxic metals, Hg and Pb, both through their diet. The farming activity is based on manioc growing, and explaining that this ancestral practice can induce serious health risks for the child's development may seriously affect their food balance and cultural cohesion.

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Introducción: El plomo, por su amplio uso causa una gran contaminación ambiental y problemas de salud en muchas partes del mundo. La Organización Mundial de la Salud incluyó el plomo dentro de una lista de diez productos químicos causantes de graves efectos sobre la salud. Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles de plomo en sangre y de protoporfirina libre eritrocitaria en un grupo de trabajadores expuestos a plomo inorgánico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal donde se evaluaron 776 casos que acudieron a los laboratorios del Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores en el año 2018, provenientes de diferentes sectores industriales. Se les realizó la determinación de plomo en sangre a 288 y la de protoporfirina a 488, según métodos establecidos en el laboratorio. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados utilizando Microsoft Excel® y el paquete estadístico Statgraphics Centurion XVI.II. Resultados: El 92 por ciento de los pacientes fue del sexo masculino. La concentración de plomo en sangre osciló entre 5 µg/dL y 89 µg/dL para un promedio en hombres de 24 µg/dL ± 21 µg/dL y en las mujeres de 11 µg/dL ± 9 µg/dL. Para la protoporfirina, esta fluctuó entre 21 µg/dL y 274 µg/dL, con un promedio de 47 µg/dL ± 22 µg/dL en hombres y 66 µg/dL ± 32 µg/dL en las mujeres. El 8 por ciento de los casos evaluados tuvo valores de plomo en sangre mayores de 60 µg/dL y para la protoporfirina el 5 por ciento de los casos presentaron valores por encima de 85 μg/dL. Conclusiones: Algunos casos evaluados presentaron niveles elevados de plomo que superan los límites permitidos, lo que pone en evidencia la necesidad de reforzar las medidas de protección aplicadas a los trabajadores y la importancia de detectar precozmente el problema en el ámbito laboral, antes de que aparezcan repercusiones derivadas de una intoxicación por plomo(AU)

Introduction: Lead, due to its large use, causes a major environmental pollution and health problems in many places around the world. The World Health Organization included lead in a list of ten chemical products causing severe effects in health. Objective: To assess lead levels in blood and free-erythtocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) levels in groups of workers exposed to inorganic lead. Methods: Descriptive. cross-sectional study where 776 cases coming from different industrial sectors were assessed in the laboratories of the National Institute of Workers Health in the year 2018. It was conducted to 288 of the cases a test to determine if there was lead in blood and a test for FEP to 488 cases, according to the methods established in the laboratory. The data collected were processed using Microsoft Excel® and the statistical program called Statgraphics Centurion XVI.II. Results: 92 percent of the patients were males. Lead concentration in blood ranged from 5 µg/dL and 89 µg/dL, for an average in men of 24 µg/dL ± 21 µg/dL, and in women of 11 µg/dL ± µg/dL. FEP concentration swung from 21 µg/dL to 274 µg/dL, with an average of 47 µg/dL ± 22 µg/dL in men, and 66 µg/dL ± 32 µg/dL in women. 8 percent of the assessed cases presented values of lead in blood higher than 60 µg/dL and for FEP, 5 percent of the cases presented values higher than 85 µg/dL. Conclusions: Some of the assessed cases presented high levels of lead which exceed the permitted levels; so, this demonstrates the need of reinforzing the protection measures applied to the workers and the importance of early detecting this problem in work-related environments prior to the onset of repercutions derived from lead poisoning(AU)

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Lead (Pb) exposure is a growing concern in developing countries, especially in vulnerable children. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood lead levels (BLL) in children from two fishing populations at Northern Colombia, Loma de Arena and Tierrabomba, as well as their association with morphometric parameters, markers of hematological status, liver function, and mRNA expression of genes related to Pb toxicity. A total of 198 blood samples were collected from participants aged 5-16 years old. The mean (± standard error) BLL for the studied sample was 3.6 ± 0.3 µg/dL, and the 97.5th percentile was 21.0 µg/dL. The participants of Loma de Arena and Tierrabomba presented BLL of 3.9 ± 0.5 and 2.9 ± 0.3 µg/dL, respectively. Children born preterm had greater BLL than those born at full term. Boys had greater BLL than girls, which also occurred for participants between 12 and 16 years old, compared with those aged 5-11 years old. The BLL were negatively correlated with body mass index in children from Loma de Arena, but an opposite behavior was observed for Tierrabomba. In Loma de Arena, the mRNA expression of interferon gamma, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, increased with the BLL, but that of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase, a sensor for Pb poisoning, decreased. In Tierrabomba, gene expression did not change with BLL. These results show that in fishing communities, lead exposure promotes different health impacts depending on age, sex, and other site-specific factors. In any case, appropriate educational and intervention programs should be carried out to minimize Pb exposure in children.

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Resumen El plomo es un metal que encontramos depositado en el ambiente a causa de la contaminación o la explotación mineral. Debido a que este componente ha tenido una gran diversidad de usos en su historia, los medios y formas de intoxicación ha generado un cambio en la perspectiva de los componentes que pueden generar una intoxicación por plomo. Durante la investigación de la intoxicación por plomo mediante proyectiles de arma de fuego se analizó la posibilidad de que se produzca intoxicación por plomo en un caso de una femenina con retención del proyectil por arma de fuego en hueso occipital con más de 50 años, abordando desde una revisión bibliográfica, la historia de formas o productos en que este metal producía intoxicación, los mecanismos de absorción, distribución y metabolismo en el cuerpo, el mecanismo de acción, el daño a los órganos, los hallazgos clínicos, la composición de la bala y su relación médico legal para confirmar la presencia de un proyectil por arma de fuego retenido en el cuerpo con la finalidad de descartar si es posible una intoxicación por plomo por un proyectil de arma de fuego retenido en hueso occipital.

Abstract Lead is a metal that we find deposited in the environment because of pollution or mineral exploration. In reason that this component had a great diversity of uses in its history, the means and forms of intoxication have generated a change in the perspective of which components could generate a lead poisoning. During the investigation of lead poisoning through firearm projectile it was analyzed the possibility that a lead poison gets produced in a feminine that holds a firearm projectile for more than 50 years in the occipital bone, addressing from a bibliographic review, the history of forms or products in which this metal produced intoxication, the mechanisms of absorption, distribution and metabolism in the body, the mechanism of action, damage to the organs, the clinical findings, the composition of the bullet and its legal medical relationship to confirm the presence of a projectile by firearm retained in the body in order to rule out if lead poisoning is possible by a firearm projectile retained in occipital bone.

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Background: Lead is a neurotoxic metal potentially affecting the developing brain. Children are particularly susceptible since they can absorb between 50% and 100% of ingested lead. There is no safe level for lead, therefore preventing exposure is crucial. We previously reported a positive association between lead concentrations found in candy and concurrent blood lead levels in Mexican children. This first report garnered media and the general public's attention. Objective: To conduct a follow-up study to assess lead concentrations in candy brands that we previously reported with concentrations ≥0.1ppm the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommended maximum lead level in candy likely to be consumed frequently by small children. Methods: In 2018 we analyzed 50 additional candy samples. Lead concentrations were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and lead content per candy unit was calculated. Findings: We found concentrations were typically low, with a marked decrease from prior levels (2008). Nevertheless two candy units had concentrations of 0.1 ppm of lead. Conclusions: Candy may have lead concentrations up to 0.1 ppm and 1.2 µg per unit. This is a concern because candies are exported and consumed in many countries worldwide potentially resulting in human exposure. Continued public health surveillance is needed to protect populations especially vulnerable to lead exposure, especially children.