Between May 1985 and December 1986, a cohort of 1,502 pregnant women was recruited at two government clinics in Kosovo (formerly a province of Yugoslavia) for a study of the relationship between environmental lead (Pb) exposure and birth outcomes. Subsequently, a representative group of 541 of their children were selected for long-term follow up. The children were followed longitudinally at six-month intervals for 12 years to examine the effects of environmental Pb exposure on a variety of health outcomes including cognitive and motor function, anemia, endocrine function and growth. This work produced numerous landmark publications (Popovac et al, 1982; Graziano et al., 1990, 1991, 2004; Murphy et al., 1990; Factor-Litvak et al, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999; Wasserman et al,. 1992, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000) that contributed to the modification of environmental policies to reduce Pb exposure worldwide. The long-term study ultimately linked environmental Pb exposure from the Trepca mining and smelting operations in Mitrovica to adverse effects on intelligence, motor function, blood pressure, renal, endocrine and hematological functioning. Follow up rates over time were excellent in that 70% of the total cohort was evaluated at 6 years of age, and 65% were evaluated at 12 years of age, at which point the study was - until now - concluded. For the present study, we located 101 members of the original study cohort and requested their participation in a follow-up study in which participants were evaluated to assess their current blood lead (BPb) levels and health outcomes as follows: a) blood pressure; b) biomarkers of endothelial cell function that are associated with cardiovascular disease; c) and measurements of erythropoietin, a glycoprotein hormone produced in the kidney that regulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The participants, whose environmental exposure history is very well documented from 12 weeks of gestation through 12 years of age, were between 25-26 years of age during the follow-up study. We found a statistically significant association between BPb and systolic blood pressure (sBP), and a marginally significant association between BPb and diastolic blood pressure (dBP), which is consistent with a multitude of studies and meta-analyses referenced in this dissertation. These results provide further evidence that recent circulating dose, as estimated by BPb, or as estimated by lifetime cumulative exposure, is associated with slight increase in sBP. Furthermore, we detected a suggestive relationship between BPb and levels of circulating serum intercellular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1) and serum intravascular adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1), possibly a mechanism by which Pb may lead to increased BP. These findings support the hypothesis that the exposure to Pb either prenatally or in early adulthood, may lead to increased BP and increased circulating levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 later in life. Lastly, the results regarding the serum erythropoietin (EPO) production presented here resemble the findings reported in this cohort at 4.5 and 6.5 years of age and in contrast with the findings in this cohort when the study participants were 9.5 and 12 years of age (Graziano et al., 2004). In addition, they also contrast the findings reported in the anemic mothers of this study cohort (Graziano et al., 1991) where serum-EPO levels were lower in those with higher BPb levels.

Maintaining due diligence on safety practices at the workplace of battery technicians is the most cost-effective intervention against lead-related hazards. The safety practice on lead poisoning in Nigeria is below average, and the compliance level is far from the expected target of 90%. Using Dejoy's workplace self-protective behavior theory, this study investigated multilevel factors that influence safety practices on lead poisoning and compared the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment by battery technicians in the organized and roadside settings. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, and a multistage and systematic sampling technique was used to select 293 adult battery technicians aged 18 years and above. Hypotheses were tested with chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions at the significant level of p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. The outcome of the safety practice status of battery technicians is 20%, and the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment is 18% in Lagos, Nigeria. Findings revealed that workplace conditions, blood lead levels, knowledge, education, and the rate of utilization of personal protective equipment are predictors of the safety practice status of battery technicians. There was no significant difference between battery technicians in the organized and roadside setting considering the perceived risk of lead poisoning and utilization of personal protective equipment. The positive social change implications of this study include recommendations for battery technicians to use the evolved alternative safety approaches to reduce lead-related hazards. Public health professional and policymakers should invest resources towards reducing the impact of lead poisoning on battery technicians at the workplace.

Lead is a global health hazard and reducing environmental exposures to lead is becoming increasingly important as negative health impacts are documented at lower levels of exposure. Soils, an important source of lead exposure in children, represent a largely untested reservoir of accumulated past and present lead contamination retained in the surface. Concentrations of soil lead are very spatially heterogeneous, however, and testing is required to identify whether site-specific soils present a hazard. In this dissertation I outline the several ways to increase testing and awareness about soil-lead contamination to provide individuals with the information needed to prevent exposure to soil lead. Chapter one presents a new field procedure for use by the general public to screen soils for hazardous levels of lead that is based on determining bioaccessible lead. Chapter two describes the delineation of soil-lead hotspots in four mining-impacted towns in Peru and reveals that parents using the field procedure identified a hotspot missed by previous testing. In this study, we find child blood lead information is associated with parent cleanliness, which may represent a pathway for child exposure to dust and soil lead, although no associations are seen directly with soil lead concentrations. In chapter three, Peruvian high school students use the field procedure in their science classes to identify hotspots of soil lead and share this information with their community. Finally, chapter four highlights that extremely elevated concentrations of soil lead are not limited to far-off mining communities but are also present locally in New York City. Soil core data collected does not reveal a single source or blanket atmospheric inputs, but rather highlights the variability of deposition that requires widespread testing.

Les jeunes enfants sont les plus exposés au plomb et les plus sensibles à ses effets sur la santé, notamment sur le développement. Une enquête d’imprégnation sur 3831 enfants vivant en France a permis d’établir la moyenne géométrique des expositions au plomb à 14,9 (+/- 0,5) µg/L de sang avec 76000 enfants au-delà du seuil d’intervention obligatoire de 50µg/L. Les critères actuels de dépistage se sont avérés peu aptes à repérer ces enfants surexposés et de nouveaux critères sont proposés. En complément, une enquête environnementale avec mesures de plomb dans le logement a été réalisée dans 484 logements. Les poussières au sol des habitations et l’eau du robinet sont des facteurs important de surexposition, ainsi que l’utilisation de vaisselle et cosmétiques traditionnels. Les politiques de prévention doivent être poursuivies compte tenu de la persistance de sources d’exposition et de la toxicité même à faible dose. / Young children are most exposed to lead and the most susceptible to its health effects, notably on development. A nationwide representative survey on 3831 children in France has established the geometric mean of lead exposures at 14.9 (+/- 0.5) µg/L of blood with 76000 children beyond the mandatory action level of 50μg / L. The current screening criteria have proved insufficient to identify these overexposed children and new ones are proposed. In addition, an environmental investigation with lead measurements in housing was performed in 484 homes. Household floor dust and tap water are major factors of overexposure, and also the use of traditional dishes and cosmetics. Prevention policies must be pursued in light of the continuing sources of exposure and toxicity even at low doses.

Lead is a serious developmental neurotoxin with the capacity to interrupt brain development and impair functioning. Since at least 1930 numerous case studies in American, Canadian and Australian literature have identified lead based paint in the home as a source of poisoning for young children; and since at least 1990 evidence has shown that it is the lead dust from deteriorating paint in older homes and renovating activities that is the primary source of chronic exposure for young children today. Not much is known about the extent of childhood lead poisoning in Canada. Gaps in our understanding include a lack of national survey data on childhood blood lead levels and an absence of reliable data to determine the era of housing that poses the greatest risk. This thesis posits that despite this paucity of research knowledge there is evidence to suggest that populations of vulnerable children continue to be harmed by exposure to historic sources of lead, such as lead-based paint found in older housing stock. This thesis examines the evidence to support this contention by critically analyzing the Canadian public health response to the issue of childhood lead poisoning. Specific attention is paid to discourse corresponding to lead-based paint, the putative major pathway of exposure for children ages 1 to 5 years. Using Foucault’s genealogical/archaeological approach, as elaborated upon by Rawlinson (1987) this thesis discusses the socio-political and economical processes that shaped health care knowledge regarding childhood lead poisoning in Canada and influenced the way knowledge was produced and used by health care providers and policy makers. The analysis is assisted via a comparison of Canadian public health discourse with American discourse, with an emphasis on discourse appearing in the post leaded gasoline era (1990-2008). The strength of a Foucauldian archaeological/genealogical analysis for nursing research and particularly for this analysis is in its focus on discourse, surfaces of emergence, transformations, mutations, contingencies, events, recognition of power/knowledge strategies, descriptions of discipline technologies and consequences, and suggested possibilities of resistance. This thesis proposes that surveillance data constituted both a product and acatalyst of the dominant view on childhood lead poisoning occurring from residential sources and posits that a lack of Canadian context specific surveillance data was the major “policing” factor limiting Canadian public health discourse. Further, privileged access to blood lead survey data maintained the view that childhood lead poisoning was a problem of the past or an American problem. Third, tensions among Canada’s two federal agencies which hold primary responsibility for lead, health and housing resulted in a weakened response whereby, to date, no legislation exists to protect vulnerable populations of Canadian children from exposure to historic sources of lead in residential dwellings.

Lead is a serious developmental neurotoxin with the capacity to interrupt brain development and impair functioning. Since at least 1930 numerous case studies in American, Canadian and Australian literature have identified lead based paint in the home as a source of poisoning for young children; and since at least 1990 evidence has shown that it is the lead dust from deteriorating paint in older homes and renovating activities that is the primary source of chronic exposure for young children today. Not much is known about the extent of childhood lead poisoning in Canada. Gaps in our understanding include a lack of national survey data on childhood blood lead levels and an absence of reliable data to determine the era of housing that poses the greatest risk. This thesis posits that despite this paucity of research knowledge there is evidence to suggest that populations of vulnerable children continue to be harmed by exposure to historic sources of lead, such as lead-based paint found in older housing stock. This thesis examines the evidence to support this contention by critically analyzing the Canadian public health response to the issue of childhood lead poisoning. Specific attention is paid to discourse corresponding to lead-based paint, the putative major pathway of exposure for children ages 1 to 5 years. Using Foucault’s genealogical/archaeological approach, as elaborated upon by Rawlinson (1987) this thesis discusses the socio-political and economical processes that shaped health care knowledge regarding childhood lead poisoning in Canada and influenced the way knowledge was produced and used by health care providers and policy makers. The analysis is assisted via a comparison of Canadian public health discourse with American discourse, with an emphasis on discourse appearing in the post leaded gasoline era (1990-2008). The strength of a Foucauldian archaeological/genealogical analysis for nursing research and particularly for this analysis is in its focus on discourse, surfaces of emergence, transformations, mutations, contingencies, events, recognition of power/knowledge strategies, descriptions of discipline technologies and consequences, and suggested possibilities of resistance. This thesis proposes that surveillance data constituted both a product and acatalyst of the dominant view on childhood lead poisoning occurring from residential sources and posits that a lack of Canadian context specific surveillance data was the major “policing” factor limiting Canadian public health discourse. Further, privileged access to blood lead survey data maintained the view that childhood lead poisoning was a problem of the past or an American problem. Third, tensions among Canada’s two federal agencies which hold primary responsibility for lead, health and housing resulted in a weakened response whereby, to date, no legislation exists to protect vulnerable populations of Canadian children from exposure to historic sources of lead in residential dwellings.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 19, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

M.Tech. Business Administration. Business School. / This study investigates the extent to which levels of awareness of lead poisoning among mine workers at the Exxaro lead and zinc mine in Namibia correlate to their levels of compliance. Specifically, the study investigates the extent to which mine workers are aware of lead poisoning and whether this knowledge influences their attitudes towards compliance to regulations on handling hazardous materials.

Lead (Pb) is a known toxicant that affects young children. It is believed that old water reticulation systems are prone to lead leaching from the walls of lead pipes and fixtures where water is conveyed to households. Many households in Christchurch city particularly in the Northwestern and Central parts of the city contain old water reticulation systems thereby, putting children at considerable health risks. The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the hazards of lead exposure that comes from old water reticulation system of Northwest (NW) Christchurch water supply to households, characterize the health risks due to such contamination and, finally, to suggest possible ways to minimize the hazards. This is accomplished by conducting a systematic review of literature on the exposure patterns of lead from reticulation systems and a literature review of the possible dose response patterns of health effects of lead contamination from old water reticulation systems on children. Thus, this dissertation involves a literature based risk assessment of lead contamination of drinking water supply in the Northwest Christchurch Zone and particularly, its effects on young children. The selection process of the research studies is based on whether they offer accurate and suitable information on the risk of adverse mental function in infants and young children due to environmental lead exposure; whether the studies have been peer reviewed by qualified scientists; whether the results are confirmed by other studies; and involves only human subjects. Future research may consider whether lead levels in drinking water are seasonal; whether these values are significant to health or, the possible role of the government in tightening product controls when monitoring the availability and health risk of high lead drinking water supply plumbing products available in the New Zealand market.

Lead is a serious developmental neurotoxin with the capacity to interrupt brain development and impair functioning. Since at least 1930 numerous case studies in American, Canadian and Australian literature have identified lead based paint in the home as a source of poisoning for young children; and since at least 1990 evidence has shown that it is the lead dust from deteriorating paint in older homes and renovating activities that is the primary source of chronic exposure for young children today. Not much is known about the extent of childhood lead poisoning in Canada. Gaps in our understanding include a lack of national survey data on childhood blood lead levels and an absence of reliable data to determine the era of housing that poses the greatest risk. This thesis posits that despite this paucity of research knowledge there is evidence to suggest that populations of vulnerable children continue to be harmed by exposure to historic sources of lead, such as lead-based paint found in older housing stock. This thesis examines the evidence to support this contention by critically analyzing the Canadian public health response to the issue of childhood lead poisoning. Specific attention is paid to discourse corresponding to lead-based paint, the putative major pathway of exposure for children ages 1 to 5 years. Using Foucault’s genealogical/archaeological approach, as elaborated upon by Rawlinson (1987) this thesis discusses the socio-political and economical processes that shaped health care knowledge regarding childhood lead poisoning in Canada and influenced the way knowledge was produced and used by health care providers and policy makers. The analysis is assisted via a comparison of Canadian public health discourse with American discourse, with an emphasis on discourse appearing in the post leaded gasoline era (1990-2008). The strength of a Foucauldian archaeological/genealogical analysis for nursing research and particularly for this analysis is in its focus on discourse, surfaces of emergence, transformations, mutations, contingencies, events, recognition of power/knowledge strategies, descriptions of discipline technologies and consequences, and suggested possibilities of resistance. This thesis proposes that surveillance data constituted both a product and acatalyst of the dominant view on childhood lead poisoning occurring from residential sources and posits that a lack of Canadian context specific surveillance data was the major “policing” factor limiting Canadian public health discourse. Further, privileged access to blood lead survey data maintained the view that childhood lead poisoning was a problem of the past or an American problem. Third, tensions among Canada’s two federal agencies which hold primary responsibility for lead, health and housing resulted in a weakened response whereby, to date, no legislation exists to protect vulnerable populations of Canadian children from exposure to historic sources of lead in residential dwellings.