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Inorganic Lead

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Dec. 31, 1994- By: World Health Organization

Evaluates the risks to human health posed by exposure to lead and inorganic lead compounds. Reflecting the focus of recent research, the report concentrates on mounting evidence that exposure to low levels of lead can have significant effects on health, particularly for infants and young children. Food, beverages, and water constitute the major source of exposure for the adult general population. Infants and young children are exposed to an additional burden of lead present in soil and household dust.

A review of the kinetics and metabolism of lead draws upon studies using several biological markers of exposure and body burden. Particular attention is given to evidence that host factors, such as age, physiological status, and nutritional condition, can influence lead absorption, metabolism, and retention in tissues and bone, where lead is now known to accumulate throughout the lifespan. Studies indicate that lead is readily transferred to the fetus throughout gestation, with lead metabolised from maternal bone serving as an important exposure source. Evidence also underscores the greater vulnerability of infants and young children, who may absorb as much as 50% of dietary lead, compared with only 10% for adults. Additional evidence shows increased lead absorption when diets are deficient in calcium, phosphate, selenium, or zinc.

An evaluation of effects on human health concentrates on the numerous epidemiological studies designed to investigate the possible neurotoxic effects of lead on the developing child. While noting that several well-designed studies have detected an association between exposure to lead and impaired intellectual performance, the report concludes that existing studies cannot provide definitive evidence of either a causal relationship or a threshold.

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Price:
CHF 56.00 / US $ 50.40
In developing countries: Sw.fr. 39.20
ISSN:
92 4 157165 9
Launch:
1994

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