Non-occupational lead and cadmium exposure and blood pressure in Thai men

In this study, the effects of low level exposure to lead and cadmium on blood pressure among 212 men have been examined. The mean age was 41 years (range 34-53). The means of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 126 (range 94-159) and 78 (range 58-117) mmHg, respectively. Blood lead concentration ranged from 144.31 to 779.34 etamol/L with a geometric mean (GM) of 363.11 etamol/L. Blood cadmium levels ranged from 1.33-37.81 etamol/L with GM of 8.09 etamol/L. For stepwise regression analysis, an increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly predictive by an increasing blood lead (p<0.001) whereas blood cadmium showed no significant correlation with blood pressure. Body mass index and alcohol consumption also contributed to both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings also supported our proposal concerning the association between blood lead and blood pressure.