Relationship between lead exposure and mild cognitive impairment.
Since it is still controversial whether-low-to moderate long-term lead below current threshold values causes neurobehavioural deficits in adults.



Forty lead-exposed workers subjects with a mean blood lead (PbB) level of 56.4 μg/dL and 40 non-lead-exposed aged matched subjects (PbB: 15.4 μg/dL) with the same socio-economic background were investigated. Participants were administered a neuropsychological tests consisting of BAMT (Branches Alternate Movements Task), FT (Finger Tapping Speed), DS (Digit Span) POMS (Profile of Mood States).



Authors noted a significant relationship between the exposed and the referent groups in tests mainly involving executive functions, short time memory and psycho-emotional variables. In addition, Poisson regression test performed on single psychoemotional factors (POMS), has allowed to evidence a significant influence of Pb e ZPP levels on tension, anxiety and depression.



The present study showed that lead exposure among adults at levels previously considered safe, results in impairment of certain cognitive abilities.
Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
C
C
Fenga
Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
S
S
Gangemi
Department of Economics,University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
A
A
Alibrandi
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
C
C
Costa
University of Messina, University Hospital of Messina, Italy.
E
E
Micali
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure
D007854:Lead
ALAD; Lead exposed workers blood lead level; Low lead exposure; Neurobehavioral effects; ZPP