Elevated hair lead associated with anemia and socioeconomic status in Honduran children ages 6–60 months

Abstract

A relationship exists between anemia and elevated lead levels; both are conditions that have proven to significantly impact health worldwide. A randomized cross‐sectional study of 217 children ages 6–60 months was conducted in Santa Maria and Moñtana de la Flor, Honduras. The purpose was to determine the relationship between hair lead and anemia in children, and to determine if socioeconomic factors are associated with high lead levels. 20.6% of the population had elevated (≥ 5–10 μg/dL) hair lead and an additional 5.6% showed significant elevation (≥ 10 μg/dL). 33.5% were anemic (Hb < 11g/dL). A significant association was found between elevated hair lead and anemia (p=0.01). 60.5% of the participants were stunted, 30.7% were underweight, and 4.7% were wasted. Socioeconomic indicators of high lead levels included: living in Santa Maria, electricity, telephone ownership and type of stove. Additional research is required to determine the prevalence of elevated lead status throughout Honduras.Grant Funding Source: USDA NIFA Competitive Grant 2011興67002興30202 and SD Agricultural Experiment Station HATCH Grant SD00H249–08