'Safe' levels of lead not necessarily so

June 12, 2004

Published 6/8/2004 11:47 AM

DALLAS, June 8 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have found that levels of lead

considered to be safe actually may increase the risk of peripheral artery

disease.

Researchers at s Hopkins University studied 2,125 adults and found those

with high levels of the metals lead or cadmium -- both of which still were

well within considered safety limits -- were up to three times more likely to

develop PAD than those with the lowest blood levels.

PAD -- a condition where fatty deposits build up in artery walls and

primarily reduce blood circulation to the legs and feet -- causes cramping and

fatigue to the legs and buttocks during periods of activity.

Overall, older and less educated subjects and smokers had higher levels of

lead and cadmium, the researchers said.

The study is further proof of the dangers of lead, as ongoing research has

forced regulators to lower the safe-level limits steadily over the past decade,

said senior author Dr. Eliseo Guallar, an assistant professor of epidemiology.

People can be exposed to lead and cadmium through cigarette smoke, certain

foods, the air near industrial and combustion sources and, in some cases,

drinking water.

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