J Korean Med Sci.  2016 Jun;31(6):852-858. 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.6.852.

Physical Activity and Blood Lead Concentration in Korea: Study Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2013)

• Rhie J
• Lee HE

• KMID: 2373692
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2016.31.6.852

Abstract

Physical activity normally has a positive influence on health, however it can be detrimental in the presence of air pollution. Lead, a heavy metal with established adverse health effects, is a major air pollutant. We evaluated the correlation between blood lead concentration and physical activity using data collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed after dividing participants according to whether they were in the top 25% in the distribution of blood lead concentration (i.e., ≥ 2.76 µg/dL), with physical activity level as an independent variable and adjusting for factors such as age, sex, drinking, smoking, body mass index, region, and occupation. The high physical activity group had greater odds of having a blood lead concentration higher than 2.76 µg/dL (odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.11-1.51) compared to the low physical activity group. Furthermore, blood lead concentration is correlated with increasing physical activity.

Keyword

Lead; Physical Exertion; Air Pollution; Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Air Pollution
Alcohol Drinking
*Exercise
Female
Humans
Lead/*blood
Logistic Models
Male
Multivariate Analysis
Nutrition Surveys
Odds Ratio
Republic of Korea
Smoking
Lead

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