Lead Levels in Human Placentae and Foetal Health

  • Ashok K. Khera

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

Abstract

Natural sources of lead as well as its distribution in the environment from its industrial uses have been discussed. Historical review of the excessive maternal lead exposure and its effect on reproduction are further discussed.

Lead levels in human placentae, foetal tissues, maternal and cord blood have been measured by the carbon furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The comparatively higher lead levels in still birth placentae when compared to placentae from normal births are possibly a reflection of higher calcium accumulation in the form of nodules in human placenta.

The apparent low calcium levels in still birth bones further suggests the movement of calcium from foetus to mother. During this process lead may accumulate along with calcium in human placenta. Further, the lead levels in human placenta do not correlate with either the maternal or cord blood lead levels. However, there is a significant positive correlation between maternal and cord blood lead levels suggesting that the human placenta does not operate as a complete barrier for lead and therefore in the case of excessive maternal lead exposure may damage the foetus.
Date of Award1981
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Aston University

Keywords

  • Lead levels
  • human placentae
  • foetal health

Cite this

'