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Is There a Relationship between Lead Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Shooters?

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  • Nisha Naicker

    (Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 87373, Houghton, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa
    The Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, 25 Hospital St, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

  • Pieter De Jager

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
    Department of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Shan Naidoo

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa)

  • Angela Mathee

    (Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 87373, Houghton, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

Abstract

Lead exposure has been associated with psycho-neurological disorders. Elevated blood lead levels have been found in shooters. This study assesses the association between the blood lead levels of shooters and their levels of aggression. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Gauteng, South Africa. Participants were recruited from four randomly selected shooting ranges with three randomly selected archery ranges used as a comparison group. A total of 118 (87 shooters and 31 archers) participants were included in the analysis. Aggressiveness was measured using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Shooters had significantly higher blood lead levels (BLL) compared to archers with 79.8% of shooters versus 22.6% of archers found to have a BLL ≥ 5 μg/dL ( p < 0.001). Aggression scores were significantly higher in shooters ( p < 0.05) except for verbal aggression. In the bivariate and regression analyses, shooters with BLLs ≥ 10 μg/dL were significantly associated with the hostility sub-scale ( p = 0.03, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.103–7.261). Shooters have a significantly higher BLL and aggressiveness compared to archers. However, elevated blood lead levels were significantly associated with hostility only. Interventions need to be put in place to prevent continued exposure and routine screening of populations at risk should be implemented.

Suggested Citation

  • Nisha Naicker & Pieter De Jager & Shan Naidoo & Angela Mathee, 2018. "Is There a Relationship between Lead Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Shooters?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-10, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:7:p:1427-:d:156649
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nevin, Rick, 2007. "Understanding international crime trends: The legacy of preschool lead exposure," MPRA Paper 35338, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Jessica Wolpaw Reyes, 2015. "Lead Exposure And Behavior: Effects On Antisocial And Risky Behavior Among Children And Adolescents," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 53(3), pages 1580-1605, July.
    3. Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi, 2018. "Hepatobiliary Related Outcomes in US Adults Exposed to Lead," 2018 Stata Conference 81, Stata Users Group.
    4. Tripathi, R.K. & Sherertz, P.C. & Llewellyn, G.C. & Armstrong, C.W., 1991. "Lead exposure in outdoor firearm instructors," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 81(6), pages 753-755.
    5. Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi & Rodrigo X. Armijos & M. Margaret Weigel & Gabriel M. Filippelli & M. Aaron Sayegh, 2018. "Cardiovascular-Related Outcomes in U.S. Adults Exposed to Lead," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thokozani Patrick Mbonane & Angela Mathee & André Swart & Nisha Naicker, 2021. "Lead Poisoning among Male Juveniles Due to Illegal Mining: A Case Series from South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-6, June.

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