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CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)108030
CIS number 08-643
ISSN - Serial title 0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Year 2007
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Stewart W.F., Schwartz B.S.
Title Effects of lead on the adult brain: A 15-year exploration
Bibliographic information 2007, Vol.50, p.729-739. Illus. 46 ref.
Abstract Three independent longitudinal studies were initiated to determine whether cumulative lead exposure was associated with persistent or progressive neurotoxic effects. The studies include former United States organolead manufacturing workers, current and former inorganic lead workers in Korea and Baltimore residents with environmental lead exposure. In each of these studies, blood lead was measured, as well as tibia and patella lead by X-ray fluorescence. Higher tibia lead was consistently associated with poorer measures of cognitive function. Longitudinal analysis of the Korean and organolead cohort indicate that the effect of lead is persistent. Moreover, MRI data on organolead workers indicates a possible progressive effect. Higher tibia lead was associated with lower brain volume. Findings suggest that a significant proportion of what is considered to be normal age-related cognitive decline may, in fact, be due to past exposure to neurotoxicants such as lead.
Descriptors (primary) neurotoxic effects; USA; long-term exposure; lead; organolead compounds; lead and compounds
Descriptors (secondary) Korea, Republic of; cognitive performance; X-ray fluorescence; long-term study; magnetic resonance imaging; statistical evaluation; cumulative properties; determination in blood; determination in bones; age-linked differences
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Diseases of the nervous system
Lead and compounds
Inorganic substances