Question

According to epidemiological studies, what blood lead (B-Pb) levels in children are consistently associated with adverse effects?

• A. About 100-150 µg/l
• B. Below 50 µg/l
• C. Exactly 200 µg/l
• D. Less than 10 µg/l

Answer 1

Answer:

A. About 100-150 µg/l

• Lead is a well-known neurotoxin. Impairment of neurodevelopment in children is the most critical effect. Exposure in utero, during breastfeeding and in early childhood may all be responsible for the effects.

• Lead accumulates in the skeleton, and its mobilization from bones during pregnancy and lactation causes exposure to fetuses and breastfed infants. Hence, the lifetime exposure of woman before pregnancy is important.

• Epidemiological studies consistently show that effects in children are associated with blood lead (B-Pb) levels of about 100-150µg/l.

• There are indications that lead is harmful even at B-Pb concentrations considerably below 100µg/1