Blood Lead Concentrations In Children Research Articles

Environmental Public Health Tracking in England- support for Health Impact Assessments

Abstract Environmental epidemiology is a key function for the public health service with regards to investigating the public health effects of environmental hazards, monitoring the public health efforts to control the environmental risks, and providing the evidence that informs decisions making and preparedness. At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Programme, initiated in 2010, has developed a number of data streams to help link environment and health data, to support Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The main aims of the EPHT programme in England are to: 1. Identify populations at risk from exposure to significant environmental and chemical hazards 2. Investigate relationships between hazard and disease 3. Inform public health policy making 4. Optimise intervention and prevention strategies 5. Generate hypotheses for further research. Such EPHT functions are based on three key components: a) by building a national EPHT program that integrates surveillance of environmental hazards, exposures and related health outcomes, to allow data linkage and assessment of environmental and health information; b) strengthening the epidemiology science, by conducting research and training of the workforce and c) developing strategies for response to immediate risks, incidents and preparing for future risks. Examples to support HIA include a) developing an air pollution exposure surveillance work programme, that has designed a pilot population vulnerability indicator; b) developing indicators for climate change impacts for public health, c) reporting regularly on the health impacts of public fluoridation water supply schemes (as mandated by Government) and d) exploring risk factors associated with elevated blood lead concentration in children, through laboratory reporting to surveillance systems. The talk will highlight some examples of practice and outline how the EPHT programme in England has supported HIA practices.

’As safe as houses; the risk of childhood lead exposure from housing in England and implications for public health’

Background and aimExposure to lead can harm a child’s health, including damage to the nervous system, delayed growth, hearing loss, and many other adverse health effects, as well as implications for social, economic, educational and social well-being. Lead exposure in children is still a concern and cases require public health management to find the exposure source and interrupt the exposure pathway. Housing characteristics can indicate the presence of lead-contaminated paint and leaded water supply pipes. We aimed to explore the relationship between housing characteristics and elevated blood lead concentration (BLC) in children in England.MethodsWe used a retrospective cohort design and included all cases of lead exposure in children reported to the UK Health Security Agency between 2014 and 2020 via surveillance. A case was a child aged under 16 years, resident in England, BLC of ≥ 0.48 μmol/L (10 µg/dL) and referred for public health management. We collected case demographic details and housing characteristics (age and type). We explored associations between elevated BLC and risk factors, using generalised linear mixed effects models and compared cases’ housing type to that expected nationally.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty-six out of 290 cases met the case definition. There was no difference in BLCs between genders, age groups, deprivation, and housing type. After adjusting for reporting source, housing age and type, cases residing in housing built pre-1976 had a BLC of 0.32 (95%CI 0.02, 0.63) µmols/L (6.63 (95%CI 0.42, 13.0) µg/dL) higher than cases living in housing built after this time. Cases were 1.68 times more likely to be living in terraced housing (housing adjoined to one another) than other children and less likely to live in apartments and detached properties.ConclusionThis study suggests an association between housing characteristics and BLC in children. Housing age and type may act as a proxy for lead exposure risk through exposure to leaded paint, lead water pipes, and lead contaminated dust from indoor and outdoor sources. Public health action should consider targeting families more at risk in older housing by raising awareness of the potential presence of lead pipes and paint. Interventions should include working with wider stakeholders including other housing and environmental professionals, the private sector, as well as parents and carers.

As safe as houses; the risk of childhood lead exposure from housing in England

Background and Aim: Exposure to lead can harm a child’s health, including damage to the nervous system. Lead exposure in children is still a concern and cases require public health management to find the exposure source. Housing characteristics can indicate the presence of lead-contaminated paint and leaded water supply pipes. We aimed to explore the relationship between housing characteristics and elevated blood lead concentration (BLC) in children in England. Methods: We used a retrospective cohort design and included all cases of lead exposure in children reported to the UK Health Security Agency between 2014 and 2020 via surveillance. A case was a child aged under 16 years, resident in England, BLC of ≥0.48μmol/L and referred for public health management. We collected case demographic details and housing characteristics (age and type). We explored associations between elevated BLC and risk factors, using generalised linear mixed effects models and compared cases’ housing type to that expected nationally. Results: 266 cases met the case definition. There was no difference in BLCs between genders, age groups, deprivation and housing type. After adjusting for reporting source, housing age and type, cases residing in housing built pre-1976 had a BLC of 0.32 (95%CI 0.02, 0.63) µmols/L higher than cases living in housing built after this time. Cases were 1.68 times more likely to be living in terraced housing than other children and less likely to live in apartments and detached properties. Conclusion: This study suggests an association between housing characteristics and BLC in children. Housing age and type may act as a proxy for lead exposure risk through exposure to leaded paint, lead water pipes and lead contaminated dust from outdoor sources. Public health action should consider targeting families more at risk in older housing raising awareness of lead pipes and paint. Keywords: Lead, children, housing

Systematic Review of the Health and Equity Impacts of Remediation and Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites.

(1) Background: Globally there is a vast legacy of contaminated sites from past industrial, commercial and military activity, waste disposal, and mineral extraction. This review examined the extent to which the remediation of contaminated sites reduces health risks to new and existing populations. (2) Methods: Standard academic databases were searched for papers that reported on health-related outcomes in humans following remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Title/abstract screening, followed by full-text screening identified sixteen papers that met the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Most studies were set in the United States of America and reported changes in blood lead concentrations in children, following soil remediation and, in some cases, public health campaigns to reduce exposure. Two further studies examined the impacts of remediation on soil contaminated with chromium and sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). (4) Conclusions: Overall, the evidence suggests that remediation via removal, capping, and replacing soil, and planting vegetation is effective at reducing concentrations of lead and chromium in blood and urine in children. There is also evidence that sediment dredging can reduce PCB concentrations in umbilical cords in infants. Study designs are relatively weak and some recommendations are provided for those wishing to examine the health impacts of remediation.

The role of dietary factors on blood lead concentration in children and adolescents - Results from the nationally representative German Environmental Survey 2014–2017 (GerES V)

In industrialized nations, human lead exposure has decreased significantly in recent decades. Nevertheless, due to its toxic effects, this heavy metal remains a public health concern with children and adolescents being particularly at risk. In Europe nowadays, oral intake via food and drinking water is the predominant exposure pathway for lead. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between dietary factors and blood lead (PbB) level of 3- to 17-year-old children and adolescents living in Germany, using data from the fifth German Environmental Health Survey (GerES V) and the Child and Adolescent Health Survey (KiGGS Wave 2). GerES V and KiGGS Wave 2 are two national population-representative studies conducted between 2014 and 2017, including measurement of lead concentrations in blood from 720 children and adolescents aged 3–17 years (mean age = 10.21, SD age = 4.36). Using multiple linear regression, sociodemographic and environmental characteristics as well as dietary factors could be identified as significant exposure determinants of PbB concentrations. Lead intake via domestic tap water was the strongest predictor of elevated PbB levels with 27.6% (p-value< .001) higher concentrations of highest compared to none lead intake via tap water. Other foods which were found to be relevant to PbB levels were meat, fruit, and fruit juice. While meat or fruit consumption were each associated with about 13% (p-value < .05) lower PbB levels, fruit juice drinking was associated with up to 12.2% (p-value = .04) higher PbB levels. In conclusion, results indicate the importance of dietary habits for lead exposure in children and adolescents. To protect vulnerable groups, it is recommended that future research and lead-reducing measures pay more attention to dietary links.

Reduction in Blood Lead Concentration in Children across the Republic of Georgia following Interventions to Address Widespread Exceedance of Reference Value in 2019.

In recent years, reports of lead contamination have dramatically increased in Georgia. Given concerns about the exposure of children to lead (Pb), the National Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-2018) included a blood sampling component. The results showed that 41% of the children that participated had blood Pb levels (BLL) ≥ 5 µg/dL and that BLL in children living in Western Georgia were higher than those in Eastern regions. In response to these findings, NCDC implemented written and verbal advice to the families of children who participated in the MICS-2018 on how to reduce Pb exposure. From August 2019 onwards, the state program of clinical follow-up was implemented. The design of this study was a longitudinal study. The intervention of interest was the public health advice and medical follow-up, and the outcome was defined as the difference in BLL between the MICS-2018 survey and the state program follow-up. We observed a significant overall reduction in median BLL between MICS-2018 and state program follow-up in both August 2019 and the latest results (until December 2019). However, we did not observe any significant further reduction between August and the most recent BLL results. In the Georgian setting, written and verbal communication targeting individual households, alongside home visits to the most exposed, effectively reduced BLL in children.

Blood lead concentrations in children with iron deficiency anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder detrimentalto the behavior, cognitive performance, immune system, and physical growth of infants and preschool- and school-age children.Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)increaseschildren's susceptibility to some metals, including the highly toxic lead (Pb), but the character of this relationship is still disputed. Thus, this study aimed to review and meta-analyze the association between the IDA and blood lead levels (BLL) among children, based on papers indexed by international scientific databases and published up to September 2021. A search was performed of the literature in several databases including the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The final papers were assessed concerning their quality based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies. Moreover, analyses were performed using R statistical software with the "meta" package. Of the 1528 articles found, only 12studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered in the meta-analysis. Significantly higher BLL in IDA children (SMD = 2.40; CI 95%, 0.93-3.87µg/L; p = 0.0014) was seen when compared to non-IDA children. Moreover, the pooled OR is equal to 2.75 (CI 95%, 1.10-6.85µg/L; p = 0.0303) suggesting a higher risk of IDA development among children with BLL > 10µg/dL.Thus, we recommend systematic monitoring of Fe and Pb levels among children, especially in countries with limited sources of nutritious food. Since only a few studies were available for this meta-analysis, further studies are necessary to examine the association between IDA and BLL in detail.

Blood lead levels in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Since the global phase-out of leaded petrol, reports have suggested that lead exposure remains substantial or is increasing in some low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, few studies have attempted to systematically assess blood lead levels over the full range of LMICs. We aimed to describe values for blood lead level in LMICs. In this systematic review, we searched PubMed for studies published between Jan 1, 2010, and Oct 31, 2019, that reported blood lead levels in the 137 countries in World Bank LMIC groupings. Studies were reviewed for inclusion if they contained blood lead level data from human populations residing in any given country; comprised at least 30 participants; presented blood lead level data derived from venous, capillary, or umbilical cord samples of whole blood; had data that were collected after Dec 31, 2004; and were published in English. Data on blood lead level were extracted and pooled, as appropriate, to make country-specific estimates of the distribution of background blood lead levels among children and adults, along with information on specific sources of exposure where available. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018108706. Our search yielded 12 695 studies, of which 520 were eligible for inclusion (1100 sampled populations from 49 countries comprising 1 003 455 individuals). Pooled mean blood lead concentrations in children ranged from 1·66 μg/dL (SD 3·31) in Ethiopia to 9·30 μg/dL (11·73) in Palestine, and in adults from 0·39 μg/dL (1·25) in Sudan to 11·36 μg/dL (5·20) in Pakistan. Background values for blood lead level in children could be pooled in 34 countries and were used to estimate background distributions for 1·30 billion of them. 632 million children (95% CI 394 million-780 million; 48·5%) were estimated to have a blood lead level exceeding the US Centers for Disease Control's reference value of 5 μg/dL. Major sources of lead exposure were informal lead acid battery recycling and manufacture, metal mining and processing, electronic waste, and the use of lead as a food adulterant, primarily in spices. Many children have a blood lead level exceeding 5 μg/dL in LMICs, despite leaded petrol phase-outs. Given the toxicity of lead, even at low amounts of exposure, urgent attention is required to control exposures and to expand population-based sampling in countries with no or scant data. This work was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (Cooperative Agreement number AID-OAA-A-16-00019).

Time for a change in blood lead reference value for Chinese children

In China, the first and also the latest version of national childhood lead exposure control guidelines was issued by the National Health Commission in 2006, when the reference value of high blood lead exposure was set at 100 μg/L and lead poisoning was set at 200 μg/L. Lead exposure levels have been decreasing in China over the last few decades, with almost all blood lead concentrations in children under 7 years of age being under 100 μg/L in non-industrial areas. However, lead concentrations lower than 100 μg/L in blood in children are associated with neurodevelopmental deficits. Thus, if the reference value remains at a high level, a large percent of children with exposure levels that are high but lower than the current reference value will be diagnosed as ‘safe’ and be ignored. Thus, we appeal that the reference value should be lowered according to local actual exposure level. A more stringent reference value would give care givers, doctors, communities, and officials more opportunities to take action earlier.

Heavy metal pollution and health risk assessment of soils from open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We assessed heavy metal pollution and potential health risk by ingestion of soil in six open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina. For the determination of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cr, soil samples were taken from the first 10cm using sampling grids installed between the boundaries of the waste final disposal sites and the beginning of the urban area. Soil samples were considered contaminated if at least one metal exceeded the maximum levels established by the Argentine regulation. Potential health risk by soil ingestion was calculated using deterministic analysis for both adults and children and stochastic analysis only for children. In 39.8% (N = 171) of the soil samples, the concentration of at least one metal was above the guide levels. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeded maximum permissible values in all open dumps. Except for Hg, heavy metal concentrations differed significantly among open dumps. Hazard indexes > 1 were obtained for the children's population using both deterministic and stochastic models. The most sensitive variables in the stochastic model were exposure frequency and soil ingestion rate, together explaining 70% of the variation in the forecasts. The calculated risks were highly dependent on Pb concentrations. The determination of blood lead concentration in children and the assessment of other exposure routes are needed in areas of open dump influence in MABA.

Blood lead in children and associations with trace elements and sociodemographic factors

BackgroundNo safe blood lead concentration in children has been identified. Lead can affect nearly every system in the body and is especially harmful to the developing central nervous system of children.The aim of this study is to analyze blood lead in a population of children and its association with sociodemographic variables, biochemical parameters, copper, iron, selenium and zinc. MethodsWe recruited 155 children (86 boys and 69 girls) with a mean age of 7.3 (SD:4.1). Blood lead and serum selenium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum iron levels were determined by colorimetric assay. A risk exposure questionnaire for lead was administered to the participants. ResultsThe median blood lead level was 1.1 (IQR 0.7–1.6) μg/dL. Regarding risk exposure factors, the youngest children (<2 years) who played outdoors presented a median blood lead concentration of 1.1 μg/dL IQR: 0.48–1.48, compared to the median of 0.3 μg/dL IQR:0.2-0.48 in the children who stated they played at home (p = 0.024). Significant differences were also found when taking into account those parents who smoked (median 1.3 IQR 0.8–1.9 μg/dL vs 0.9 IQR 0.5–1.4 μg/dL of non-smokers, p = 0.002). Children who drank tap water had higher blood lead levels (median 1.2 IQR 0.7–1.6 μg/dL) than those who drank bottled water (median 0.7 IQR 0.2–1.3 μg/dL p = 0.014). In addition, children whose mothers had not finished school had higher blood lead levels (median 1.7 IQR 1.2–2.3 μg/dL) than those whose mothers had finished school (median 1.2 IQR 0.7–1.7 μg/dL) and those whose mothers had gone to university (median 0.9 IQR 0.5–1.4 μg/dL) p = 0.034. In the multivariate lineal regression analysis we continue to observe the association between mother’s higher level of education and lower blood levels (p = 0.04) and the interaction between age and outdoor play (p = 0.0145). ConclusionsIn spite of the decline in blood lead concentrations, associated risk factors continue to exist in vulnerable populations such as children.

Children's Blood Lead Concentrations from 1988 to 2015 in Mexico City: The Contribution of Lead in Air and Traditional Lead-Glazed Ceramics.

Despite the removal of lead from gasoline in 1997, elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) > 5 µg/dL are still detectable in children living in Mexico City. The use of lead-glazed ceramics may explain these persistent exposure levels. Mexico lacks a national surveillance program for BLL, but temporal trends can be derived from epidemiological studies. With this approach, we leveraged a series of birth cohorts to report BLL trends from 1987 to 2002 and expanded our analysis to 2015. Data were from 1–5-year-old children from five Mexico City cohorts followed between 1988 and 2015. BLLs are reported on 1963 children, who contributed 4975 BLLs. We estimated the trend of mean BLL, which decreased from 15.7 µg/dL in 1988, to 7.8 µg/dL in 1998 (a year after the total ban of lead in gasoline), to 1.96 µg/dL in 2015. The proportion of BLL ≥ 5 µg/dL decreased from 92% (1988–1998) to 8% (2008–2015). The use of lead-glazed ceramics was associated with an 11% increase in BLLs throughout the study period. Replacing lead-based glazes in traditional ceramics may be the key to further reducing exposure, but this presents challenges, as it involves a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Mexico. In addition, the creation of a rigorous, standardized, and on-going surveillance program of BLL is necessary for identifying vulnerable populations.

Effect of Residential Lead-Hazard Interventions on Childhood Blood Lead Concentrations and Neurobehavioral Outcomes

Childhood lead exposure is associated with neurobehavioral deficits. The effect of a residential lead hazard intervention on blood lead concentrations and neurobehavioral development remains unknown. To determine whether a comprehensive residential lead-exposure reduction intervention completed during pregnancy could decrease residential dust lead loadings, prevent elevated blood lead concentrations, and improve childhood neurobehavioral outcomes. This longitudinal, community-based randomized clinical trial of pregnant women and their children, the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, was conducted between March 1, 2003, and January 31, 2006. Pregnant women attending 1 of 9 prenatal care clinics affiliated with 3 hospitals in the Cincinnati, Ohio, metropolitan area were recruited. Of the 1263 eligible women, 468 (37.0%) agreed to participate and 355 women (75.8%) were randomized in this intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 interventions designed to reduce residential lead or injury hazards. Follow-up on children took place at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years of age. Data analysis was performed from September 2, 2017, to May 6, 2018. Residential dust lead loadings were measured at baseline and when children were 1 and 2 years of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years of age, the children's blood lead concentrations as well as behavior, cognition, and executive functions were assessed. Of the 355 women randomized, 174 (49.0%) were assigned to the intervention group (mean [SD] age at delivery, 30.1 (5.5) years; 119 [68.3%] self-identified as non-Hispanic white) and 181 (50.9%) to the control group (mean [SD] age at delivery, 29.2 [5.7] years; 123 [67.9%] self-identified as non-Hispanic white). The intervention reduced the dust lead loadings for the floor (24%; 95% CI, -43% to 1%), windowsill (40%; 95% CI, -60% to -11%), and window trough (47%; 95% CI, -68% to -10%) surfaces. The intervention did not statistically significantly reduce childhood blood lead concentrations (-6%; 95% CI, -17% to 6%; P = .29). Neurobehavioral test scores were not statistically different between children in the intervention group than those in the control group except for a reduction in anxiety scores in the intervention group (β = -1.6; 95% CI, -3.2 to -0.1; P = .04). Residential lead exposures, as well as blood lead concentrations in non-Hispanic black children, were reduced through a comprehensive lead-hazard intervention without elevating the lead body burden. However, this decrease did not result in substantive neurobehavioral improvements in children. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00129324.

Koncentracija olova u krvi kod dece koja žive u blizini topionice olova i rudnika antimona u Srbiji

Objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine blood lead concentrations in children, living in the vicinity of the Zajača lead-antimony mining-milling-smelting complex. Other aims were to compare blood lead levels (BLLs) of exposed children to those of partially exposed and non-exposed, and correlate values of BLLs from two consecutive sampling series in 2012 and 2013. Performed laboratory method was atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Statistical significance of comparisons was tested by univariate methods and non-parametric tests for the attributable variables: Hi-square test, proportion test. In the case of non-parametric variables, following tests were used: Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test for testing distribution's normality; ANOVA for the normal distribution, while a Kruskal Wallis Test was used in cases without normal distribution. 142 participants were tested on lead in blood: exposed, partially exposed, and non-exposed). Mean BLLs in children living at less than 1 km from the smelter was 18.98 µg/dl , at first test series, and 12.21 µg/dl, in the second round. For those living further than 3 km mean BLLs at first series was 8.30, and at the second series it was 5.85). Blood lead concentrations in children from Zajača are highest.

Blood Lead Concentrations of Children in the United States: A Comparison of States Using Two Very Large Databases

To determine whether there are substantial differences by state between 2 large datasets in the proportion of children with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs); to identify states in which the percentage of elevated BLLs is high in either or both datasets; and to compare the percentage of elevated BLLs in individual states with those of children living in Flint, Michigan, during the months when these children were exposed to lead-contaminated drinking water. Tables of BLLs for individual states from the Quest Diagnostics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention datasets for 2014-2015, containing more than 3 million BLLs of young children?<?6 years old, were constructed to compare the Quest Diagnostics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data with one another and with BLLs available for Flint children for 2014-2015. For some states, the percentages of BLLs ?5.0?µg/dL are similar in the 2 datasets, whereas for other states, the datasets differ substantially in the percentage of BLLs ?5.0?µg/dL. The percentage of BLLs ?5.0?µg/dL is greater in some states in both datasets than observed in Flint when children were exposed to contaminated water. The data presented in this study can be a resource for pediatricians and public health professionals involved in the design of state programs to reduce lead exposure (primary prevention) and identify children with elevated BLLs (secondary prevention).

Interrupted time series analysis of children's blood lead levels: A case study of lead hazard control program in Syracuse, New York.

Children’s blood lead concentrations have been closely monitored over the last two decades in the United States. The bio-monitoring surveillance data collected in local agencies reflected the local temporal trends of children’s blood lead levels (BLLs). However, the analysis and modeling of the long-term time series of BLLs have rarely been reported. We attempted to quantify the long-term trends of children’s BLLs in the city of Syracuse, New York and evaluate the impacts of local lead poisoning prevention programs and Lead Hazard Control Program on reducing the children’s BLLs. We applied interrupted time series analysis on the monthly time series of BLLs surveillance data and used ARMA (autoregressive and moving average) models to measure the average children’s blood lead level shift and detect the seasonal pattern change. Our results showed that there were three intervention stages over the past 20 years to reduce children’s BLLs in the city of Syracuse, NY. The average of children’s BLLs was significantly decreased after the interventions, declining from 8.77μg/dL to 3.94μg/dL during1992 to 2011. The seasonal variation diminished over the past decade, but more short term influences were in the variation. The lead hazard control treatment intervention proved effective in reducing the children’s blood lead levels in Syracuse, NY. Also, the reduction of the seasonal variation of children’s BLLs reflected the impacts of the local lead-based paint mitigation program. The replacement of window and door was the major cost of lead house abatement. However, soil lead was not considered a major source of lead hazard in our analysis.

Late effects of low blood lead concentrations in children on school performance and cognitive functions

BackgroundAlthough it is known that lead is a neurotoxin that negatively impacts cognitive functions at low blood concentrations (B-Pb), little is known about the impact of early exposure on later cognitive functions. ObjectivesThis study assesses the effects of very low lead exposure in early childhood on teenage cognitive performance. MethodsUsing data collected between 1978 and 2007, we analyzed B-Pb (median 30μg/L; six-fold decrease over time) in 3176 Swedish children (age 7–12). School performance in grade 9 (age 16; boys and girls) and over-all IQs measured during conscription examinations (age 18–19; mainly boys) were obtained from registers. In multivariate models, potential confounders (age at blood sampling, sex, parents’ education, family economy, and country of birth of child and parents) and effect modifiers (socioeconomic; father's IQ at conscription examination) were included. ResultsThere were statistically significant adjusted negative associations between school performance (Grades up to 1991: P<0.0001; Merits 1992-2007:P<0.0001) and IQ (P=0.03) and B-Pb. The dose–response relationships were non-linear. Effects were more pronounced for B-Pb≤50μg/L than for higher levels. In the B-Pb range 5–50μg/L, the average IQ loss corresponded to about 5 IU. There was no significant effect modification associated with socioeconomic factors. ConclusionsLead causes neurotoxic effects at very low exposures (B-Pb<50μg/L) in childhood and these effects remain for many years.

Factors associated with blood lead concentrations of children in Jamaica

Lead is a heavy metal known to be detrimental to neurologic, physiologic, and behavioral health of children. Previous studies from Jamaica reported that mean lead levels in soil are four times that of lead levels in some other parts of the world. Other studies detected lead levels in fruits and root vegetables, which were grown in areas with lead contaminated soil. In this study, we investigate environmental factors associated with blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. The participants in this study comprised 125 typically developing (TD) children (ages 2–8 years) who served as controls in an age- and sex-matched case-control study that enrolled children from 2009–2012 in Jamaica. We administered a questionnaire to assess demographic and socioeconomic information as well as potential exposures to lead through food. Using General Linear Models (GLMs), we identified factors associated with blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. The geometric mean blood lead concentration (GMBLC) in the sample of children in this study was 2.80 μg dL−1. In univariable GLM analyses, GMBLC was higher for children whose parents did not have education beyond high school compared to those whose parents had attained this level (3.00 μg dL−1 vs. 2.31 μg dL−1; P = 0.05), children living near a high traffic road compared to those who did not (3.43 μg dL−1 vs. 2.52 μg dL−1; P < 0.01), and children who reported eating ackee compared to those who did not eat this fruit (2.89 μg dL−1 vs. 1.65 μg dL−1; P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, living near a high traffic road was identified as an independent risk factor for higher adjusted GMBLC (3.05 μg dL−1 vs. 2.19 μg dL−1; P = 0.01). While our findings indicate that GMBLC in Jamaican children has dropped by at least 62% during the past two decades, children living in Jamaica still have GMBLC that is twice that of children in more developed countries. In addition, we have identified significant risk factors for higher blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. We believe increasing awareness among parents regarding these risk factors could potentially lead to a lower level of lead exposure in Jamaican children.

G325(P) Prevalence of high lead levels in children with global developmental delay and moderate to severe learning difficulty in Leeds and Wakefield: A cohort study

AimsExposure to Lead is still an ongoing problem in children. High blood levels have been associated with global developmental delay and learning difficulties. In the UK there is no reliable...

The Impact of Succimer Chelation on Blood Cadmium in Children with Background Exposures: A Randomized Trial

Succimer lowers blood lead concentrations in children, and the structure of succimer chelates of lead and cadmium are similar. Using blood samples from a randomized trial of succimer for lead poisoning, however, we found that succimer did not lower blood cadmium in children with background exposure.