ATTENTIONAL DEFICIENCIES ASSOCIATED WITH LOW-LEVEL LEAD EXPOSURE

摘要

Although lead exposure has been steadily decreasing, some still occurs in the metal processing industry, through wall paint and tap water. Studies on children showed neurobehavioral effects of low-level exposure, but little is known about chronic effects in adults. We investigated neurobehavioral effects of lead exposure in adult outpatients and controls at the Unit of Environmental Medicine (UEM), Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany. Using a computerized test battery, we evaluated the attentiveness functions alertness, visual scanning, divided attention, intermodal comparisons, incompatibility and flexibility. Lead blood levels ranged from 1-65.6μg/l (mean: 22.2±18.3μg/l). Although neuropsychological test results of all patients were within the normal range, there were significant correlations between blood lead levels and speed of information processing (working memory). Further statistical analysis showed these effects to be independent of confounding variables (intelligence, personality traits, emotions). The results indicate that diminished working memory capabilities are associated with low blood lead levels.