New Research Supports Potential Link Between Low-Level Lead Exposure and Liver Injury

New research suggests a link between Black Americans’ higher exposure to environmental toxins and advanced liver scarring, which can lead to disease and cancer. For decades, lead has been known to be harmful even in small doses. And there have been plenty of reports and studies on how racial and ethnic minorities, as well as low-income communities in the U.S., are burdened by higher levels of pollution. But the link between low-level exposure to toxins, like lead, and liver injury is less understood.

The study results determine the more lead that was detected in a blood sample, then the more advanced liver injury and scarring a person had. And once a person reaches advanced liver fibrosis — the severe form of injury Branch was assessing — their risk of liver-related mortality skyrockets. Read more from STAT News here.