Blood lead levels, pulmonary function and agility in Polish schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Reduced vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are associated with lead (Pb) exposure.

AIM: The objective of this study is to analyse the effects of Pb on FVC and the shuttle run performance.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were available for 184 male and 189 female Polish schoolchildren aged 10-15 years. Regression analysis was performed of shuttle run performance (dependent) on Pb and FVC.

RESULTS: Shuttle run time increased by 1.75 (± 0.77) and 1.97 (± 0.77) seconds for each 10 µg/dL increase in Pb blood among males and females, respectively. Higher shuttle run times indicate poorer performance. Average unadjusted blood Pb level in the sample was 5.27 μg/dL (± 0.19 SE) and 3.82 μg/dL (± 0.10 SE), respectively. Path analysis was used to assess the association of Pb level with shuttle run time. Blood Pb had a significant negative effect on VC (B= -13.60 ± 3.28 [SE], p < 0.0001) and FVC (B = -13.08 ± 3.27, p < 0.0001). FVC had a small but significant effect on shuttle run time (B = -0.04 ± 0.007, p < 0.0001). Pb had a significant effect on the residual of shuttle run time among males (B = 1.59 ± 0.75, p < 0.03) and females after the effect of FVC was removed (B = 1.49 ± 0.73, p < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Pb had direct and indirect effects that increased shuttle run time, i.e. negatively affected performance.