Lead exposure and spine bone mineral density.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in spine BMD over time in relation to changes in bone and blood lead levels and baseline risk factors among female former smelter workers in Bunker Hill, Idaho. Spine BMD was measured using Norland XR-26 X-Ray bone densitometer. Cd109 K XRF system was used to estimate tibia bone lead content. Blood lead levels were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption with Zeeman effect background correction. Information about risk factors was obtained through a questionnaire. In the final backward stepwise multivariate regression model after controlling for baseline BMD, baseline blood lead measured in 1994 and time since menopause; spine bone density in 2000 decreased with increasing blood lead levels in 2000 in all these women, especially if they worked in a technical job (miner) most of the time at the smelter. Blood lead may adversely affect bone mineral density.