Hematological Effects of Lead in Human Populations

This chapter discusses the hematological effects of lead in both human populations and various experimental animal test systems. Lead hematotoxicity, in common with effects such as neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiovascular impairments, has long been recognized as accompanying chronic childhood and adult lead exposures within various Pb exposure settings. 

Much of the literature on Pb-associated hematotoxicity is of some vintage, having been the object of considerable research in the 1970s and 1980s. More recent studies have been directed at lingering dose—response and mechanistic issues. 

Lead hematotoxicity is not only a toxic endpoint of Pb exposure in humans and animals but also provides biomarkers of Pb exposures via early toxic effects on the heme and erythropoietic pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways. Although heme biosynthesis is largely considered here in terms of heme production for utilization in hemoglobin, it is a critical cofactor for diverse metabolic processes, including in the cytochromes and for the 1-hydroxylase enzyme system responsible for generating the hormonal form 

Trace Metals and other Contaminants in the Environment, Volume 10 ISSN 1875-1121 DOI 10.1016/B978-0-444-51554-4.00016-X 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 

Hematotoxic effects of lead have triggered debates as to the nature and severity of lead hematotoxicity versus lead toxicity associated with brain, cardiovascular, and kidney injuries. Part of the debate goes to the basic question of what comprises a toxicologically adverse effect, a functionally adverse effect, and a biochemically adverse effect. Effects of Pb on heme formation from precursors are produced through effects on mitochondrial function. 

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Chapter 16 Hematological Effects of Lead in Human Populations... 

TABLE 16.2 Hematological Effects of Pb in Human Populations Lead-Induced Anemia via Altered Erythrocyte Production and Destruction ... 

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