Objective. To find out whether the use of lead-glazed ceramic (LGC) is associated with blood lead levels in indigenous schoolchildren from Oaxaca, México. Materials and Methods. We evaluated LGC use at home as a primary source of lead exposure in 387 indigenous schoolchildren in Oaxaca in May 2001. Results. We found an adjusted difference of 3.9μg/dl (p<0.01) in blood lead levels (BLL) among children reporting to use (82%) LGC at home vs those who didn't. BL levels greater or equal than 10 and 20 μg/dl were observed in 60 and 27% of children, respectively. Conclusions. Lead poisoning from LGC use could remain a concern for public health in Mexico, where there is a need to provide care and further study to verify its effect on BLL.

Objetivo. Conocer si el uso de lozo de barro vidriada (LBV) se asocia con concentraciones de plomo en sangre en niños de zonas rurales de Oaxaca, México. Material y métodos. Se evaluó el uso de LBV en el hogar como principal fuente de exposición al plomo en 387 niños escolares indígenas de Oaxaca durante mayo de 2001. Resultados. Se encontró una diferencia ajustada de plomo en sangre (PbS) (evaluada por Environmental Testing and Consulting [LeadCare]) de 3.9μg/ dl (p<0.01) mayor en niños que reportaron usar (82%) LBV en el hogar contra los que reportaron no usarlo. Además, 60 y 27% de los niños tuvieron concentraciones de PbS mayores o iguales a 10 y 20μg/dl, respectivamente. Conclusión. La intoxicación por plomo por el uso de LBV podría seguir siendo una preocupación para la salud pública en México.

Objective. To find out whether the use of lead-glazed ceramic (LGC) is associated with blood lead levels in indigenous schoolchildren from Oaxaca, México. Materials and Methods. We evaluated LGC use at home as a primary source of lead exposure in 387 indigenous schoolchildren in Oaxaca in May 2001. Results. We found an adjusted difference of 3.9μg/dl (p<0.01) in blood lead levels (BLL) among children reporting to use (82%) LGC at home vs those who didn't. BL levels greater or equal than 10 and 20 μg/dl were observed in 60 and 27% of children, respectively. Conclusions. Lead poisoning from LGC use could remain a concern for public health in Mexico, where there is a need to provide care and further study to verify its effect on BLL.

Objetivo. Conocer si el uso de lozo de barro vidriada (LBV) se asocia con concentraciones de plomo en sangre en niños de zonas rurales de Oaxaca, México. Material y métodos. Se evaluó el uso de LBV en el hogar como principal fuente de exposición al plomo en 387 niños escolares indígenas de Oaxaca durante mayo de 2001. Resultados. Se encontró una diferencia ajustada de plomo en sangre (PbS) (evaluada por Environmental Testing and Consulting [LeadCare]) de 3.9μg/ dl (p<0.01) mayor en niños que reportaron usar (82%) LBV en el hogar contra los que reportaron no usarlo. Además, 60 y 27% de los niños tuvieron concentraciones de PbS mayores o iguales a 10 y 20μg/dl, respectivamente. Conclusión. La intoxicación por plomo por el uso de LBV podría seguir siendo una preocupación para la salud pública en México.

Chemical compounds with endocrine activity, which have the potential to interfere with diverse physiological process in humans and animals, are present in the environment. Some of the physiological systems that are affected by these compounds are central nervous, endocrine and the immune systems. In hormone dependent and hormone sensitive tissues, these compounds have biological effects like natural hormones, such as estradiol (E2). Currently, it is believed that these compounds are involved in some reproductive abnormalities detected in living beings. Furthermore, it has been reported that these compounds are related with an increase in the incidence of some cancers, among them, testicular cancer. Currently, in Mexico, there are no adequate strategies to evaluate the health risk by endocrine disruptors present in the environment because there are no evaluations performed at low doses of these compounds. It is now known that low doses of these chemicals can affect the metabolism; therefore, molecular evaluation methods are required, to know the effects of these compounds in the Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between maternal serum DDT/DDE levels and risk of hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study in Mexico City was conducted during 1997-1999 among 41 subjects with hypospadias and 28 controls. Blood samples were obtained from study subjects. Information was obtained using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Maternal DDT and DDE levels showed no association with hypospadias (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.24-5.29 and OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.15-1.60, respectively). Associated factors were older age of mothers (OR 8.69; 95% CI 1.69-44.9), and working during pregnancy (OR 4.68; 95% CI 1.15-18.9). CONCLUSIONS: Information about the endocrine effects of different levels of DDT/DDE in human subjects is scarce; dosage may be a determinant factor of the type of effect.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles séricos maternos de DDT/DDE y el riesgo de hipospadias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles, efectuado en la Ciudad de México durante el periodo 1997-1999, con 41 casos de hipospadias y 28 controles. La informacion obtenida por cuestionario y las muestras sanguíneas fueron evaluadas mediante modelos multivariados de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Las concentraciones materna de DDT y DDE no mostraron asociación con el riesgo de hipospadias (RM 1.13; IC 95% 0.24-5.29 y RM 0.48; IC 95% 0.15-1.60, respectivamente). Los predictores encontrados fueron hijos de madres con mayor edad (RM 8.69; IC 95% 1.69-44.9), y la actividad laboral durante el embarazo (RM, 4.68; IC 95% 1.15-18.9). CONCLUSIONES: Dado que se cuenta con escasa información sobre los efectos endocrinos a diferentes concentraciones de DDT/DDE en humanos, la dosis pudiera ser un factor determinante sobre el tipo de efecto.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between maternal serum DDT/DDE levels and risk of hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study in Mexico City was conducted during 1997-1999 among 41 subjects with hypospadias and 28 controls. Blood samples were obtained from study subjects. Information was obtained using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Maternal DDT and DDE levels showed no association with hypospadias (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.24-5.29 and OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.15-1.60, respectively). Associated factors were older age of mothers (OR 8.69; 95% CI 1.69-44.9), and working during pregnancy (OR 4.68; 95% CI 1.15-18.9). CONCLUSIONS: Information about the endocrine effects of different levels of DDT/DDE in human subjects is scarce; dosage may be a determinant factor of the type of effect.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles séricos maternos de DDT/DDE y el riesgo de hipospadias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles, efectuado en la Ciudad de México durante el periodo 1997-1999, con 41 casos de hipospadias y 28 controles. La informacion obtenida por cuestionario y las muestras sanguíneas fueron evaluadas mediante modelos multivariados de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Las concentraciones materna de DDT y DDE no mostraron asociación con el riesgo de hipospadias (RM 1.13; IC 95% 0.24-5.29 y RM 0.48; IC 95% 0.15-1.60, respectivamente). Los predictores encontrados fueron hijos de madres con mayor edad (RM 8.69; IC 95% 1.69-44.9), y la actividad laboral durante el embarazo (RM, 4.68; IC 95% 1.15-18.9). CONCLUSIONES: Dado que se cuenta con escasa información sobre los efectos endocrinos a diferentes concentraciones de DDT/DDE en humanos, la dosis pudiera ser un factor determinante sobre el tipo de efecto.