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6716719 
Journal Article 
Low blood lead levels and hemoglobin concentrations in preschool children in China 
Liu, J; McCauley, L; Yan, C; Shen, X; Pinto-Martin, JA 
2012 
1 
Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry
ISSN: 0277-2248
EISSN: 1029-0486 
94 
2 
423-426 
English 
29430074 
WOS:000302597600018 
It is well known that lead (Pb) produces reduced haemoglobin (Hb) levels and risk of anemia when blood lead levels (BPb) are greater than 20 µg dL-1. Two recent studies reported an increased risk of anemia in children with BPb between 10-20 µg dL-1, but few studies examined the association between Hb levels or risk of anemia and BPb under 10 µg dL-1. In the present study this association was examined using data of 140 preschool children from a larger prospective cohort study in China. Data showed that compared to children with BPb <5 µg dL-1, children with BPb between 7.5-10 µg dL-1 had significantly lower Hb levels, but there were no marked differences for other groups. A linear regression model showed a negative relationship between BPb and Hb levels after controlling for age, gender, height, weight, and iron (Fe) deficiency. This finding, although limited by a small sample size, suggests it may be important to examine Pb-induced hemosynthesis effect at concentrations less than 10 µg dL-1.