Health effects of outdoor air pollution

Rebecca Bascom, Philip A. Bromberg, Daniel L. Costa, Robert Devlin, Douglas W. Dockery, Mark W. Frampton, William Lambert, Jonathan M. Samet, Frank E. Speizer, Mark Utell

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

431 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although sources of airborne lead have been reduced over the last decade, particularly with the use of lead-free gasoline, there are still relatively high levels of lead contamination in soils and the residential housing stock built before the 1970s, which pose a risk for continued direct exposure through ingestion or airborne exposure if resuspended. Neurobehavioral effects, particularly as a result of early childhood exposures, have been documented, and, because of the way lead is stored in the body, late effects can become manifest during periods of high bone turnover (e.g., pregnancy, lactation, or hyperthyroidism). Late consequences not only relate to lead excretion affecting the fetus or newborn but also appear to be associated with hypertension in adults. Control of exposure in early life is an important component of appropriate preventive action.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)477-498
Number of pages22
JournalAmerican journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
Volume153
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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