Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #99917

Joseph O'Neil, MD, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, 702 Barnhill Drive, Room 1601, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-274-4846, joeoneil@iupui.edu, Gregory K. Steele, DrPH, MPH, Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1050 Wishard Blvd. RG 4165, Indianapolis, IN 46202, C. Scott McNair, MD, Private Physician, 1393 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732, and Matthew Matusiak, PhD, Marion County Health Department, 3838 North Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN 46211.

Blood lead levels in NASCAR racing teams

NASCAR is the only major autosport using lead-containing fuel. Leaded gasoline exhaust may result in elevated Blood Lead Levels (BLL). In adults this may be associated with cognitive and physical disorders. Early identification and removal of lead is the treatment of choice. This pilot study determines if NASCAR racing teams have BLL >10 µg/dl.

Drivers, pit crews, and mechanics of a NASCAR racing team were stratified by proximity to fuel exhaust or engine components. After informed consent, each participant completed a self-reported survey recording demographics, lead exposure and any physical symptoms of lead toxicity. Blood lead levels were measured. Data analysis was performed using measures of association and linear regression analyses.

BLL of 47 NASCAR drivers and team members were measured with a range of 1-22 µg/dl and a median of 9 µg/dl. A linear regression model identified exposure to exhaust as significant factor for a BLL > 10 µg/dl with a relative risk of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.87). Increased relative risks of self-reported cognitive and physical symptoms were reported with a BLL > 10µg/dl.

The study demonstrated that 40% of this NASCAR team had a BLL > 10 µg/dl. Lead is not a naturally occurring metal in man and any level could be considered abnormal. Efforts to reduce lead exposure by either reducing or eliminating lead in the gasoline, protective equipment and frequent hand washing should be implemented.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess the effect of leaded gasoline on a NASCAR racing team
• Identify occupational and environmental risk factors for elevated blood lead levels
• Discuss methods to reduce elevated blood lead levels in NASCAR racing teams

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Lead

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation