Screening for Blood Lead Levels in Basrah, Southern Iraq

Abstract

A prospective study over six months (from 1 July to 31 December 2002) measured the level of blood lead in individuals attending Primary Health Centers in the center District of Basrah Governorate. Six hundred and two individuals were selected randomly from those attending seventeen Primary Health Centers in the center of Basrah. Their ages ranged from 9-79 years. Of 602, Twenty six, 15 years of age or younger had mean blood lead levels (BLL) of 12.62+3.85 ug/ dl, those older than 15 years had levels of 11.20+3.4 ug /dl (p < 0.05). Males of different age groups showed a statistically significantly higher BLL compared to females (13.25+3.25 and 10.10+2.96 ug/ dl respectively), p < 0.0001. The center of Basrah was divided into 11 main areas; there was a statistically significant difference in BLL among individuals living in different areas, ranging from 7.26+2.81 |jg/ dl to 12.76+3.63 ug/dl. Individuals with higher education and smokers showed higher BLL (12.10+3.54 ug/dl, 13.81+3.57 ug/dl respectively) compared to those of lower education and non-smokers (11.11+3.23 ug/ dl, 10.93+3.26 ug/dl respectively), the differences were statistically significant. The sources of drinking water and frequency and amount of milk consumed/ week did not show a significant correlation with BLL. History of lead exposure (occupational) was statistically significantly associated with BLL (15.3+4.85 ug/ dl) for those exposed to higher concentration of lead compared to others (11.1 2+3.3 ug/dl), p < 0.0001. Amongst females using kohl (25.6%), the mean BLL was significantly higher (13.91+4.42 ug/dl), compared to non-users (9.88+2.68 ug/dl), p < 0.0001. No significant difference was observed among those exposed to paints. As adequate data on BLL in our country do not exist, especially for children, and as the number of children in this study was small, further studies are warranted to recognize the extent and risk factors for lead poisoning in children.