Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
7221964 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Effects of low-level lead exposure on blood pressure in a population-based study in Southern Brazil 
Almeida Lopes, ACB; Silbergeld, EK; Navas-Acien, A; Zamoiski, R; Martins, AC, Jr; Camargo, AEI; Urbano, MR; Mesas, AE; Paoliello, MMB 
2016 
1 
Toxicology Letters
ISSN: 0378-4274
EISSN: 1879-3169 
259 
S1 
S8 
English 
WOS:000396848100019 
Introduction: Environmental lead exposure is a public health issue, due to its ability to accumulate in the organism for a long period of time, and also to the absence of a safe concentration in the exposure to this metal. Low levels of lead exposure among adults in the general population may increase blood pressure and enhance the risk of hypertension.
Objective: to evaluate the relationship of blood lead levels (BLL) with blood pressure and hypertension in a population-based sample of adults living in a city in Southern Brazil.

Methods: A total of 948 adults, aged 40 years or older, were randomly selected. Information on socioeconomic, dietary, lifestyle and occupational background was obtained by orally administered household interviews. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured according to the guidelines VI Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension. Participants were considered as hypertensive if any of the following criteria were present: a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. BLL were measured by ICP-MS technique. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations of BLL with hypertension status and with elevated SBP and DBP.
Results: The overall geometric mean of BLL was 1.97 μg/dl (95% CI: 1.90–2.04 μg/dl), and the means for the blood lead quartiles ranged from 0.96 μg/dl to 4.21 μg/dl in the lowest and higher quartile, respectively. We found that adults in the highest blood lead quartile had increased odds of DBP (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.51–4.39) and of hypertension (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.17–5.53) compared to those in the lowest quartile. Participants in the 90th percentile of blood lead distribution had 0.07 mmHg (95% CI: 0.03–0.11) higher DBP, and higher OR for hypertension, compared with those participants in the 10th percentile of blood lead.
Conclusions: At low concentrations, BLL were positively associated with DBP and with the odds for hypertension in adults aged 40 or older.
Financial support: Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (CAPES), through the Ministry of Health, Brazil. 
14th International Congress of Toxicology in conjunction with the 10th Mexican Congress of Toxicology 
Merida, Mexico 
Oct 02-09, 2016