Blood lead level (BLL), is a measure of lead in the blood. It is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL); 10 µg/dL is equivalent to 0.48 micromoles per liter (µmol/L). Exposure to lead occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. When exposed to lead, lead enters one’s bloodstream and elevates their blood lead level that results to lead poisoning or an elevated blood lead level. A major source of exposure to lead comes from inhalation. Factories and industries, vehicles exhausts, and even dust in the air that people breathe all have the potential of containing lead. Other major sources of lead exposure also include ingestion and contact with products such as paint and soil that may contain lead as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that a BLL of 5 μg/dL or above is a cause for concern. However, lead can impair development even at BLLs below 5 μg/dL. Adults that are exposed to a dangerous amount of lead can experience anemia, nervous system dysfunction, weakness, hypertension, kidney problems, decreased fertility and increased level of miscarriages, and low birth weight and premature deliveries. Children exposed to high levels of lead show similar symptoms, including anemia, kidney damage, colic, neurological impairment, and impaired vitamin D metabolism. However children are susceptible to damage from lead exposure at lower levels than adults, and neurological impairment can occur in children with blood lead levels <10 µg/dL. Neurological impairment or delay, growth retardation, and delayed sexual maturation as a result of lead exposure may even affect children as they mature to adulthood.
Famous quotes containing the words blood, lead and/or level:
“The poet sings how the blood flows in his veins. He performs his functions, and is so well that he needs such stimulus to sing only as plants put forth leaves and blossoms.... His song is a vital function like breathing, and an integral result like weight.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“An error the breadth of a single hair can lead one a thousand miles astray.”
—Chinese proverb.
“When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality, they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a man’s name live for thousands of years. But above this level, far above, separated by an abyss, is the level where the highest things are achieved. These things are essentially anonymous.”
—Simone Weil (1909–1943)