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Occurrence of elevated protoporphyrin levels in relation to lead burden in infants

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)
Simultaneous blood lead (PbB), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), and hematocrit measurements were made semiannually in 232 normal infants from 6 to 24 months of age. The PbB averaged 7 (SD = 5) and ranged from 0 to 64 ..mu..g/dl. The incidence of elevated EP, a marker for deranged heme synthesis, was unrelated to PbB at levels below 15 ..mu..g/dl but was fourfold greater among the infants with PbB above 15 ..mu..g/dl. This relationship persisted even after eliminating the 31 (4%) anemic (hematocrit < 33%) samples. The confounding effects of iron deficiency are discussed.
Research Organization:
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
OSTI ID:
5729222
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 39:2; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English