Lead and growth status of school children living in the copper basin of south-western Poland: differential effects on bone growth.
OBJECTIVE
The study analyzed the relationship between blood lead (BPb) levels and growth status of upper and lower body segments among schoolchildren living in the copper basin of south-western Poland.


METHODS
Schoolchildren 7-15 years of age (463 males, 436 females) living in the vicinity of copper smelters and refineries were tested for blood lead. Weight, height, symphyseal height (leg, lower segment length), and arm length were measured. Trunk (upper segment including head and neck) length was estimated as height minus symphyseal height. The BMI was calculated using weight/height2 (kg m-2).


RESULTS
Mean blood lead in the total sample was 7.7 +/- 3.5 micro g dL-1 (2.0-33.9 micro g dL-1). Blood lead level was significantly and linearly related to reduced weight, height, trunk, leg, and arm lengths. The estimated reduction in height was 5 mm per 1 micro g dL-1 increase in blood lead (5.0 cm per 10 micro g dL-1). The reduction occurred in leg length (males, 64%; females 72%) compared to trunk length (males, 36%; females, 28%). Estimated reductions in arm length were 2.0 cm (males) and 2.5 cm (females) per 10 micro g dL-1 increase in blood lead. Hence, limb (leg and arm) lengths were markedly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Linear skeletal growth was reduced with increased blood lead, even at levels below that considered for action by US CDC standards. The reduction in height occurred primarily in leg length. Arm length was also reduced, suggesting limb lengths in general were affected by blood lead. Results are consistent with lead-associated interruption of (1) major epiphyseal growth plate chondrocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and interrupted matrix calcification as a primary cause of stunted long bone growth, and reduced stature; and (2) attenuated osteoblast activity (proliferation and migration) as a secondary cause of stunted growth in the study population.
Ignasiak
Z
Z
Department of Anthropokinetics, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland.
Sławińska
T
T
Rozek
K
K
Little
B B
BB
Malina
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D003300:Copper; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students
D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper