Air Quality Criteria for Lead Volume II of II - (NEPIS)(EPA) - US ...

AX6-192
Table AX6-7.3. Key Studies of Lead Exposure and Cancer in the General Population
Reference, Study
Location, and Period Study Description Pb Measurement Findings and Interpretation
United States
Jemal et al. (2002)
(same cohort as in
Lustberg and
Silbergeld, 2002
except for inclusion
criteria)
U.S.
1976-1992.
Cohort design.
3,592 white participants from the
1976-1980 NHANES II survey who
had blood Pb measured at entry.
Mortality was followed through 1992
via NDI and SSADMF.
RRs were calculated for the various
exposure groups compared to survey
participants with the lowest exposure,
adjusted for age and smoking.
Blood Pb (µg/dL) was measured
by atomic absorption and used to
classify subjects into exposure
quartiles or groups above vs.
below median exposure.
Median blood Pb 12 µg/dL.
RR (95% CI); number of deaths
Lung (above vs. below median):
Total cohort 1.5 (0.7, 2.9); 71
Male 1.2 (0.6, 2.5); 52
Female 2.5 (0.7, 8.4); 19
Stomach (above vs. below median):
Total cohort 2.4 (0.3, 19.1); 5
Male 3.1 (0.3, 37.4); 4
Female no deaths in referent group
All cancer: total cohort by quartile (age-adjusted) 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5
(p = 0.16 for trend).
Smoking was controlled for. Pb levels occurring in the general population
were examined, not just those in workers with high occupational exposure
potential. Exposure to other carcinogens were not examined. Potential for
residual confounding by degree and duration of smoking exists (only
controlled for never, former, current