Lead is known to have toxic effects on the cardiovascular
system.
Owing to its high concentration, transmission range, and absorption
efficiency in organisms, inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-bound lead (PM2.5-Pb) may cause significant
cardiovascular damage. However, the contribution and adverse effects
of PM2.5-Pb on workers and residents in non-ferrous metal
smelting areas are not fully understood. In this work, the concentration
and chemical speciation of PM2.5-Pb were analyzed to determine
its pollution characteristics at a typical non-ferrous metal smelting
site. A panel study conducted among factory workers revealed that
PM2.5-Pb exposure makes an important contribution to the
human absorption of Pb. Although the chemical speciation of PM2.5-Pb suggested poor water solubility, a high bioavailability
was observed in mice (tissue average value: 50.1%, range: 31.1–71.1%)
subjected to inhalation exposure for 8 weeks. Based on the bioavailability
data, the relationship between PM2.5-Pb exposure and cardiovascular
damage was evaluated in animal simulation experiments. Finally, a
damage threshold and cardiovascular-specific risk assessment model
were established for the non-ferrous metal smelting area. Our project
not only accurately estimates the risk of PM2.5-bound heavy
metals on the cardiovascular system but also offers a scientific basis
for future prevention and therapy of PM2.5-Pb-related diseases.
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