Blood lead level
Encyclopedia
Blood lead level is a measure of lead
in the body. It is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
(μg/dL); 10 µg/dL is equivalent to 0.48 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).
Exposure to lead occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. When exposed to lead, lead enters one’s bloodstream and elevates their blood lead level that results to lead poisoning
or an elevated blood lead level. A major source of exposure to lead comes from inhalation. Factories and industries, vehicles exhausts, and even dust in the air that people breathe all have the potential of containing lead. Other major sources of lead exposure also include ingestion and contact with products such as paint and soil that may contain lead as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) states that a BLL of 10 μg/dL or above is a cause for concern. However, lead can impair development even at BLLs below 10 μg/dL. Adults that are exposed to a dangerous amount of lead can experience anemia, nervous system dysfunction, weakness, hypertension, kidney problems, decreased fertility and increased level of miscarriages, and low birth weight and premature deliveries. Children exposed to high levels of lead show similar symptoms, including anemia, kidney damage, colic, neurological impairment, and impaired vitamin D metabolism. However children are susceptible to damage from lead exposure at lower levels than adults, and neurological impairment can occur in children with blood lead levels <10 µg/dL. Neurological impairment or delay, growth retardation, and delayed sexual maturation as a result of lead exposure may even affect children as they mature to adulthood.
Lead
Lead is a main-group element in the carbon group with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable poor metal. It is also counted as one of the heavy metals. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed...
in the body. It is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
Blood
Blood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells....
(μg/dL); 10 µg/dL is equivalent to 0.48 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).
Exposure to lead occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. When exposed to lead, lead enters one’s bloodstream and elevates their blood lead level that results to lead poisoning
Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
or an elevated blood lead level. A major source of exposure to lead comes from inhalation. Factories and industries, vehicles exhausts, and even dust in the air that people breathe all have the potential of containing lead. Other major sources of lead exposure also include ingestion and contact with products such as paint and soil that may contain lead as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services headquartered in Druid Hills, unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, in Greater Atlanta...
(CDC) states that a BLL of 10 μg/dL or above is a cause for concern. However, lead can impair development even at BLLs below 10 μg/dL. Adults that are exposed to a dangerous amount of lead can experience anemia, nervous system dysfunction, weakness, hypertension, kidney problems, decreased fertility and increased level of miscarriages, and low birth weight and premature deliveries. Children exposed to high levels of lead show similar symptoms, including anemia, kidney damage, colic, neurological impairment, and impaired vitamin D metabolism. However children are susceptible to damage from lead exposure at lower levels than adults, and neurological impairment can occur in children with blood lead levels <10 µg/dL. Neurological impairment or delay, growth retardation, and delayed sexual maturation as a result of lead exposure may even affect children as they mature to adulthood.
See also
- Lead poisoningLead poisoningLead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
- Acceptable daily intakeAcceptable daily intakeAcceptable daily intake or ADI is a measure of the amount of a specific substance in food or drinking water that can be ingested on a daily basis over a lifetime without an appreciable health risk...
- Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and SurveillanceAdult Blood Lead Epidemiology and SurveillanceThe US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health funds the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance program, a state-based surveillance program of laboratory-reported adult blood lead levels...