Source: Xinhua
04-07-2009 12:04
LOS ANGELES, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Higher levels of lead in blood or bones may affect the cognitive abilities of old women, a new study showed.
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| Higher levels of lead in blood or bones may affect the cognitive abilities of old women, a new study showed. |
The study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard University's Medical School, drew the conclusion after analyzing lead levels and cognitive scores in almost 600 women from the Boston area.
The findings showed that women aged 47 to 74 who tested positive for lead in their blood (indicating a recent exposure to the metal) or bones (an indication of cumulative exposure over the life span) did somewhat worse on cognitive tests than those who did not show signs of lead exposure.
In the study, the researchers noted that regulatory changes phased out higher lead content in products such as gasoline during the 1980s, so that lead is at a relatively low level nowadays.
