Evaluation of lead poisoning in children age ranged 2-10 years old

Abstract

Background: Lead poisoning is one of the major environmental diseases among children in developing countries. The present study was conducted to assess lead level in children. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 156 cases of lead poisoning of both genders of age ranged 2-10 years. In all children, symptom suggestive of lead poisoning like pallor, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation or anorexia, deteriorating school performance, and recently acquired irritability or hyperactive behaviour was recorded. Reasons for lead poisoning were recorded. Results: Out of 156 patients, boys were 80 and girls were 76. Age group 2-4 years had 26 children, 4-6 years had 67, 6-8 years had 35 and 8-10 years had 28 children. Possible reasons seen in children were thumb sucking (26), use of colored toys (68), pets (34), absence of hand washing (65), use of herbal medications (35) and pencil biting (82). The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Lead poisoning in children is a serious issue. The possible reasons found was thumb sucking, use of colored toys, pets, absence of hand washing, use of herbal medications and pencil biting.