Lead

Individuals who exclusively used marijuana had greater levels of cadmium and lead in their blood and urine than nonusers, a recent study found.

Higher levels of novel tibia and blood epigenetic biomarkers of lead exposure were associated with increased CVD mortality risk in American Indian men, researchers reported.

CHICAGO — In the U.S. and U.K., exposure to environmental factors such as lead and ambient particulate matter may correlate to increased CV death, according to a 30-year analysis of mortality data.

A recent CDC revision to the reference value used to identify children with high levels of lead in their blood doubled the estimated number of children who should be referred for follow-up, per guidelines, a pair of experts noted recently.

The CDC announced that it has lowered the blood lead reference value for children from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL.

Despite most facilities performing surveillance for health care-associated invasive mold infections, case definitions and environmental sampling approaches vary substantially and could lead to missed cases, researchers said.

A study of patients initiating dialysis in the United States showed that higher levels of lead in the drinking water supply was associated with lower hemoglobin concentrations and greater erythropoietin stimulating agent use.

Children who were overweight and had low-level prenatal lead exposure may have worsened kidney function later in life, according to research published in Environment International.

Last week, a House of Representatives oversight subcommittee publicized the results of an investigation that confirmed reports of high levels of toxic heavy metals in popular baby foods.

Lifestyle interventions are the recommended first steps for treatment of diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders. Changes to diet and physical activity can ultimately lead to weight loss and its proven benefits.