Abstract
The risk assessment of lead (Pb) requires the use of biokinetic models to translate measured concentrations of Pb in food and environmental media into blood lead (BPb). The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) model in the health risk assessment of Pb among children in Blantyre. Children (152) aged 1–6 years were recruited into this cross-sectional study, and foods, house dust, playground soil, water, and venous blood (1 mL) were collected and analyzed for Pb. A seven-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect food consumption data. The concentrations of Pb ranged from 0.01 to 3.3 mg/kg in food, 2.3 to 265 mg/kg and 1.5 to 482 mg/kg in house dust and playground soil, respectively, as well as 2.0 µg/dL to 50.4 µg/dL and 6.8 to 39.2 µg/dL for measured and predicted BPb, respectively. Various statistical tests indicated less than satisfactory agreement between measured and predicted BPb values. Despite the lack of reliable food consumption data and other limitations, both the predicted and measured BPb values indicate that children in Blantyre are exposed to high levels of Pb, largely through food and soil as a minor source.
Highlights
While some effects such as anaemia and nephrotoxic effects occur at high exposure levels, the effects on intelligence quotience (IQ), ability to pay attention, and academic achievement have been shown to occur even at low blood lead (BPb) concentrations [6]
These results show that almost 72% of the children may be at risk of suffering from IQ reduction
Statistical analyses performed in this study have shown different levels of agreement between measured and predicted BPb depending on the bioavailability used
Summary
Lead (Pb) causes many adverse effects in adults and children, including anaemia [1], neurobehavioral [2] and nephrotoxic effects [3], and hypertension [4]. Pb has especially been widely associated with reductions in intelligence quotience (IQ) and school performance, as well as an increase in violent behavior [5]. While some effects such as anaemia and nephrotoxic effects occur at high exposure levels, the effects on IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement have been shown to occur even at low blood lead (BPb) concentrations [6]. Protection of children from exposure to Pb is very important for lifelong good health since the effects of Pb exposure cannot be reversed [6]
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