The Association Between Environmental Lead Exposure and Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 3–7 Years in Shenyang, China

Abstract

To investigate the lead exposure levels, and the effect of blood lead level (BLL) on recurrent respiratory infections in children aged 3-7 years in Shenyang. A case-control study including 78 children with recurrent respiratory infections and 141 controls was performed. Venous blood was obtained for BLL, and a questionnaire was completed. The BLL was significantly higher in children with recurrent respiratory infections than that in the control group [Median (IQR): 2.56 (1.29-6.19) vs 1.99 (0.90-5.92) µg/dL, P=0.029]. Children with BLL ≥1.95 µg/dL were more likely to be suffering from recurrent respiratory infections (OR=2.328, 95%CI=1.228-4.413) than those with BLL <1.95 µg/dL. High lead level can increase the risk of respiratory infections in preschool children.