Difference In Blood Lead Levels Research Articles

Prevalence of Elevated Blood Lead Levels and Gender Differences Among School Children in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Lead toxicity is a major health problem in developing countries as lead exposure is widely scattered in the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxicity of low-level, prolonged exposure to lead. Long-term effects of lead accumulation in children can damage them physically and mentally. We evaluated Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) among school children in Banda Aceh Municipality, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study with randomly selected participants was conducted in 2 junior high schools to determine the prevalence of elevated BLLs and gender differences. Among 130 children, aged 12-15, 32 (24,6%) of them had elevated BLLs based on CDC reference ≥3,5 µg/dl with a mean of BLLs 3,01 ±1.14, and 27 out of 32 (84.4%) with elevated BLLs were males. Male students had 5.62 times higher risk (CI:2.00-15.81) with elevated BLLs compared to female students (p=< 0.001). We concluded that the prevalence of elevated BLLs is high in both schools and there was a statistically significant difference in blood lead levels between male and female students. Other risk factors may affect the difference in blood lead levels among school children.

Secular trends in blood lead concentrations of school-age children in Montevideo, Uruguay from 2009 to 2019

Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009–19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 μg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015–19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children.

Correlation between maternal and fetal umbilical cord blood lead concentrations in Libya.

People are exposed to lead from car exhaust fumes (leaded petrol), lead-based paints, plumbing systems, cigarette smoking, contaminated soil and dust, foods grown in polluted areas, and water sources. Among the vulnerable subpopulations are pregnant women, fetuses and infants. To estimate and correlate maternal and neonatal blood lead levels and compare these between neonates and their mothers in Tripoli and Ghadames. In this cross-sectional study, blood was collected from 120 and 116 mothers and their neonates from Tripoli and Ghadames, respectively. Lead levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A simple questionnaire was filled by the participants using face-to face interview. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and Excel. Mean blood and umbilical cord lead levels were 6.83 (standard deviation 4.96) and 6.05 (4.89) µg/dl in mothers and neonates from Tripoli, respectively, and 5.91 (4.02) and 4.54 (4.09) µg/dl from Ghadames. There was no significant difference in blood lead level between mothers from Tripoli and Ghadames. However, there was a significant correlation between maternal blood and umbilical cord blood in Tripoli and Ghadames. Linear regression revealed that neonatal umbilical cord blood lead levels reflected the levels in maternal blood. Blood lead in this study was higher than that reported in industrialized western countries. We detected moderate blood lead levels among pregnant women in Tripoli and Ghadames. It is important to detect the source of lead in the Libyan population to treat this problem effectively.

Blood Lead Levels of Pregnant Women in Agricultural and Coastal Area: A SDG’s Indicator for Health and Pollution in Brebes District

Maternal mortality is still a severe problem in Indonesia. One of the causes is the blood lead levels. Blood lead levels in pregnant women can increase the risk of preeclampsia which is the cause of high maternal mortality in Indonesia. One of the factors for high blood lead levels is living close to the source of lead pollution. This study determines the differences in blood lead levels in pregnant women in agricultural and coastal areas in Brebes District. The t-test independent is used to analyze the mean differences with SPSS v 21 software with 84 samples. The results show a significant difference in the average blood lead levels in pregnant women in agricultural and coastal areas in Brebes Regency (p-value=0,047). The average blood lead levels are higher in agricultural areas (46.243 µg/dL) than in coastal areas (37.731 µg/dL). It can be implied that the risk of maternal mortality in an agricultural area is higher than in a coastal area.

Uneven development of the lead industry leads to regional differences in blood lead levels of children

Children's exposure to lead is a global health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, research on the relationship between children's blood lead levels (BLLs) and the development of the lead industry is still limited. This study examined whether children's BLLs were associated with the development of lead industry in different regions. Using survey data on the BLLs of children living in 250 prefectures in China with corresponding data on their economic factors and lead industries, we explored the regional variation of children's BLLs using statistical methods. The results show that the level of economic development in leaded areas was associated with inequity in children's BLLs and met the environmental Kuznets hypothesis. In areas without lead industries, there was little correlation between the level of economic development and the BLLs of children and thus the environmental Kuznets hypothesis was not supported. Lead mines, lead smelting and chemical companies are major sources of blood lead in children living in leaded areas. This study demonstrated the success of control policies for lead-acid battery manufacturers in promoting the prevention and control of childhood lead poisoning in China. China should consciously support the improvement of children's BLLs in undeveloped areas with lead industries through national financing and policies to avoid the continuous effects of the regional inequality problem of high children's BLLs.

Screening for blood lead level in reproductive age group individuals in Kathmandu

Introduction: Elevated blood lead level is associated with serious, often irreversible, health consequences. At present, the safe level of blood lead cannot be ascertained since the emerging data indicate the toxic potential to human organ system at a low level that was previously considered safe. Screening for blood lead level is not in regular practice in Nepal. This study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of detectable blood lead level in reproductive age group of Nepalese population that represents the wide local population. Materials and methods: 170 reproductive age group individual (20 to 49 years) attending Samyak diagnostic Pvt Ltd and Alka IVF and fertility centre for regular health checkup were included in this study for blood lead level analysis. The participants were categorized as normal or sub-fertile. Blood lead level was estimated using anodic stripping voltametry. Results: In total study participants, 28.8% of male and 25.8 % of female had BLL ≥3.0 µg/dL. The minimum detectable blood lead level in both male and female was 3.3 µg/dL while the maximum blood lead level was higher in male (15.5 µg/dL) than in female (8.4 µg/dL). The median blood lead level of the sample population was 3.7(4.8 -6.9) µg/dL. There was no significant difference in blood lead level between gender (p=0.108). Conclusion: It is justifiable to screen for blood lead level in the reproductive age group individual in Nepal.

Blood and faecal lead levels in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders

IntroductionTo investigate the blood lead levels (BLLs) and faecal lead levels (FLLs) in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and compare them with controls. Patients and methodsOne hundred and two children with FGIDs defined by the Rome IV criteria, aged 4–18 years, and one hundred and two sex matched healthy children were enrolled in the study. Children with FGIDs were divided into three subgroups as functional constipation (FC) (n = 36), functional abdominal pain (FAP) (n = 36) and functional nausea (FN) (n = 30). The lead levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. ResultsThe median BLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (5.12 and 1.77 µg/dL, respectively). The BLLs were above 5 µg/dL in 51,9% of children with FGIDs. There was statistically significant difference in BLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (FAP and FN) (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively). The FLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (28.08 and 0.01 µg/g, respectively). There was no significant difference in FLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (p = 0.992, p = 0.989 respectively). No significant relation found between BLLs and FLLs of the FGIDs group (p = 0.123). ConclusionThis study revealed that children with FGIDs had higher BLLs and FLLs than controls and also more than half of children with FGIDs had BLLs ≥5 µg/dL which is considered as toxic level. These results might revive the question of whether or not clinicians need to evaluate routine BLLs in children with FGIDs.

Niveles séricos y fecales de plomo en niños con distintos trastornos digestivos funcionales

IntroductionTo investigate the blood lead levels (BLLs) and faecal lead levels (FLLs) in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and compare them with controls. Patients and methodsOne hundred and 2children with FGIDs defined by the Rome IV criteria, aged 4 -18 years, and one hundred and 2sex matched healthy children were enrolled in the study. Children with FGIDs were divided into 3subgroups as functional constipation (FC) (n=36), functional abdominal pain (FAP) (n=36) and functional náusea (FN) (n=30). The lead levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. ResultsThe median BLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (5.12 and 1.77μg/dL, respectively). The BLLs were above 5μg/dL in 51,9% of children with FGIDs. There was statistically significant difference in BLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (FAP and FN) (P=.003, P<.001 respectively). The FLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (28.08 and 0.01μg/g, respectively). There was no significant difference in FLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (P=.992, P=.989 respectively). No significant relation found between BLLs and FLLs of the FGIDs group (P =.123). ConclusionThis study revealed that children with FGIDs had higher BLLs and FLLs than controls and also more than half of children with FGIDs had BLLs ≥5μg/dL which is toxic level. These results might revive the question of whether or not clinician need to evaluate routine BLLs in children with FGIDs.

Interaction between lead and noradrenergic genotypes affects neurocognitive functions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case control study

BackgroundLead is known to be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) even at low concentrations. We aimed to evaluate neurocognitive functions associated with lead in the blood and the interactions between lead and dopaminergic or noradrenergic pathway-related genotypes in youths with ADHD.MethodsA total of 259 youths with ADHD and 96 healthy controls (aged 5–18 years) enrolled in this study. The Korean Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and Lifetime version was conducted for psychiatric diagnostic evaluation. Blood lead levels were measured, and their interaction with dopaminergic or noradrenergic genotypes for ADHD; namely, the dopamine transporter (DAT1), dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4), and alpha-2A-adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) genotypes were investigated. All participants were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS). Participants also completed the continuous performance test (CPT) and Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Analysis of covariance was used for comparison of blood lead levels between ADHD and control groups. A multivariable linear regression model was used to evaluate the associations of blood lead levels with the results of ADHD-RS, CPT, and SCWT; adjusted for intelligence quotient (IQ), age, and sex. A path analysis model was used to identify the mediating effects of neurocognitive functions on the effects of blood lead on ADHD symptoms. To evaluate the effect of the interaction between blood lead and genes on neuropsychological functions, hierarchical regression analyses were performed.ResultsThere was a significant difference in blood lead levels between the ADHD and control groups (1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5 μg/dL, p = .005). Blood lead levels showed a positive correlation with scores on omission errors(r = .158, p = .003) and response time variability (r = .136, p = .010) of CPT. In the multivariable linear regression model, blood lead levels were associated with omission errors (B = 3.748, p = .045). Regarding the effects of lead on ADHD symptoms, hyperactivity-impulsivity was mediated by omission errors. An interaction effect was detected between ADRA2A DraI genotype and lead levels on omission errors (B = 5.066, p = .041).ConclusionsOur results indicate that neurocognitive functions at least partly mediate the association between blood lead levels and ADHD symptoms, and that neurocognitive functions are affected by the interaction between blood lead levels and noradrenergic genotype.

Comparing serum lead level in drug abuse pregnant women with non-addicted pregnant mothers referring to Shiraz university hospitals in 2017-2018.

Introduction:In recent decades, there are multiple reports of lead poisoning in drug abusers in Iran and other Middle East countries. The lead in the mother's blood can cause many dangerous, harmful effects on the mother and the fetus. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the blood lead level (BLL) in pregnant women who were an illegal drug user and compared it with pregnant women who did not use these agents.Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 pregnant women referred to Shiraz Hazrat Zinab and Hafez Hospitals. All pregnant women with a history of any drug abuse were sampled. Two pregnant women without any history of drug abuse were sampled for each pregnant mother with a history of drug abuse on the same day. To check BLL, 5 cc blood sample of all participants sent to a reference laboratory. BLLs have been assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with GBC Avanta, and all reports were confirmed by a specific pathologist. The data were completed with maternal demographic information and infants’ anthropometric indices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24, and the significance was 0.05.Results:There was a significant difference in BLL among pregnant women with and without drug abuse history (9.91 ± 26.2 and 2.95 ± 0.7, respectively) (P-value: 0.001). The prevalence of lead levels of more than 5 μg/dl in mothers with and without substance abuse was 20% and 7.5%, respectively. Anthropometric indices, Apgar score, and gestational age in the mothers with a history of drug abuse were significantly lower than the control group (a significant level less than 0.05).Conclusion:The level of lead in pregnant women taking illegal drugs is higher than that of the control group who do not have a history of illegal drug abuse. On the other hand, it is likely that increased serum levels of lead with fetal complications and maternal health threats childbirth and clinical outcomes during childbirth.

Correction: High prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in both rural and urban Iowa newborns: Spatial patterns and area-level covariates.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177930.].

Comparative calcium levels in high exposed and low exposed group of lead based battery workers

Introduction: A comparative study of calcium and phosphorus was conducted in high exposed and low exposed groups of lead battery workers to study the effect of lead exposure in these groups as there were very few systematic study reports available in the Indian scenario. Materials and Method: Subjects were selected and classified as Group A àcontrols; Group Bà high risk exposure Group Càlow risk exposure. They were evaluated for their blood lead level (BLL), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), Hb, Calcium, Phosphorus, Blood pressure, Total Proteins and albumin. Selections of subjects were in accordance to the protocol developed. Results: This study showed that there is statistical significance between high risk and low risk in BLL (p&lt;0.001), ZPP (p&lt;0.001), Hb (p&lt;0.001) and Calcium (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in Phosphorus (p=0.280). Other parameters included Blood pressure, Total protein, albumin and Phosphorus had no significant difference. Conclusions: There was significant difference in BLL, ZPP and calcium between the high risk and low risk group. This difference was mainly due to the absence of precautionary principles, absence of proper disposal methods and lack of knowledge among workers about the ill effects of lead. Thus study reveals the need for self-regulation and a government policy.

Analysis of blood lead level of children living around lead-zinc mines

Objective: To investigate the blood lead level of children living around lead-zinc mining areas, in order to analyze its distribution features of the population. Methods: In August 2016, three natural villiages around lead-zinc mines were selected randomly as survey sites, which were grouped A, B and C according to each distances from the center field, totally 1 379 children from the three villages were selected by cluster random sampling method as the investigation subjects, and their elbow peripheral vein blood samples were collected to determine the blood lead level by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The distribution features of blood lead in different district, gender and age groups were compared and analyzed. Results: The median and quartile range of blood lead were 0.066 and 0.058 mg/L respectively. The blood lead levels of 341 children were esceeding 100 μg/L and that account for 24.73%. The median blood lead showed statistical significant differrnce among three groups (P<0.01) , and the medians from high to low were: 0.075 mg/L (A) , 0.065 mg/L (B) and 0.059 mg/L (C) respectively. The average blood lead of male was higher than that of female (P<0.01) . There was significant difference in blood lead levels among different aged groups (P<0.01) , and the high blood lead rate dicreased with the increase of age (P<0.01) . Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a high risk of excessive lead in the blood lead of boys aged 1-6 years from the center of the area. Conclusion: The blood lead level of children living around lead-zinc mining areas is relatively high. There are difference in district distribution, gender and age.

Blood Lead Levels in Asymptomatic Opium Addict Patients; a Case Control Study.

One of the newest non-occupational sources of lead contamination is drug addiction, which has recently been addressed as a major source of lead poisoning in some countries. The present study aimed to investigate the blood lead level (BLL) of asymptomatic opium addicts. This case-control study was conducted during a one-year period to compare BLL of three groups consisting of opium addicts, patients under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), and healthy individuals. 99 participants with the mean age of 55.43±12.83 years were studied in three groups of 33 cases (53.5% male). The mean lead level in opium addicts, MMT and control groups were 80.30 ± 6.03 μg/L, 67.94 ± 4.42 μg/L, and 57.30±4.77 μg/L, respectively (p=0.008). There was no significant difference in BLL between MMT and healthy individuals (p=0.433) and also between opium addicts and MMT individuals (p=0.271).Oral opium abusers had significantly higher lead levels (p = 0.036). There was a significant correlation between BLL and duration of drug abuse in opium addict cases (r=0.398, p=0.022). The odds ratio of having BLL ≥ 100 in oral opium users was 2.1 (95% CI: 0.92 - 4.61; p = 0.43). Based on the result of present study, when compared to healthy individuals, opium addicts, especially those who took substance orally had significantly higher levels of blood lead, and their odds of having BLL ≥ 100 was two times. Therefore, screening for BLL in opium addicts, particularly those with non-specific complaints, could be useful.

High prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in both rural and urban Iowa newborns: Spatial patterns and area-level covariates.

Lead in maternal blood can cross the placenta and result in elevated blood lead levels in newborns, potentially producing negative effects on neurocognitive function, particularly if combined with childhood lead exposure. Little research exists, however, into the burden of elevated blood lead levels in newborns, or the places and populations in which elevated lead levels are observed in newborns, particularly in rural settings. Using ~2300 dried bloods spots collected within 1–3 days of birth among Iowa newborns, linked with the area of mother’s residence at the time of birth, we examine the spatial patterns of elevated (>5 μg/dL) blood lead levels and the ecological-level predictors of elevated blood lead levels. We find that one in five newborns exceed the 5 μg/dL action level set by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Bayesian spatial zero inflated regression indicates that elevated blood lead in newborns is associated with areas of increased pre-1940s housing and childbearing-age women with low educational status in both rural and urban settings. No differences in blood lead levels or the proportion of children exceeding 5 μg/dL are observed between urban and rural maternal residence, though a spatial cluster of elevated blood lead is observed in rural counties. These characteristics can guide the recommendation for testing of infants at well-baby appointments in places where risk factors are present, potentially leading to earlier initiation of case management. The findings also suggest that rural populations are at as great of risk of elevated blood lead levels as are urban populations. Analysis of newborn dried blood spots is an important tool for lead poisoning surveillance in newborns and can direct public health efforts towards specific places and populations where lead testing and case management will have the greatest impact.

Blood lead levels in children aged between 1 and 6 years old in La Plata, Argentina. Identification of risk factors for lead exposure.

Lead has neurotoxic effects in children, even at a very low level in blood. The risk factors (RFs) for lead exposure have not been adequately identified in La Plata. The objectives of this study were to determine mean blood lead levels and identify RFs in children aged 1 to 6 years old living in La Plata and the outskirts. A cross-sectional study was conducted in children who attended primary health care centers for a health check-up. Blood lead levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and a socioenvironmental survey was administered to outline RFs. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare measurements. A multivariate statistical analysis was done to establish the most relevant RFs. A total of 319 children participated (51% were boys); the median (interquartile range) blood lead level was 2.2 pg/dL (1.1-3.6 pg/dL). Significant mean differences in blood lead levels were observed for age≤ 3years old, anemia, pica behavior, overcrowding, dirt floors, and maternal education < 7 years. Age≤ 3years old and pica behavior were both RFs with significant odds ratios (ORs). The OR as adjusted by logistic regression was significant only for age≤ 3years old. The median blood lead level in the studied population was 2.2 pg/dL. The main RFs identified for lead exposure were age≤ 3years old and pica behavior. Other less relevant RFs included anemia, maternal education < 7 years, overcrowding, and dirt floors.

Household interventions for preventing domestic lead exposure in children.

Household interventions for preventing domestic lead exposure in children.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Childhood Blood Lead Levels Among Children

Childhood lead poisoning is a serious public health problem with long-term adverse effects. Healthy People 2020's environmental health objective aims to reduce childhood blood lead levels; however, efforts may be hindered by potential racial/ethnic differences. Recent recommendations have lowered the blood lead reference level. This review examined racial/ethnic differences in blood lead levels among children under 6 years of age. We completed a search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for published works from 2002 to 2012. We identified studies that reported blood lead levels and the race/ethnicity of at least two groups. Ten studies met inclusion criteria for the review. Blood lead levels were most frequently reported for black, white, and Hispanic children. Six studies examined levels between blacks, whites, and Hispanics and two between blacks and whites. Studies reporting mean lead levels among black, whites, and Hispanics found that blacks had the highest mean blood lead level. Additionally, studies reporting blood lead ranges found that black children were more likely to have elevated levels. Studies suggest that black children have higher blood lead levels compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Future studies are warranted to obtain ample sample sizes for several racial/ethnic groups to further examine differences in lead levels.

Lead and mercury in fall migrant golden eagles from western North America.

Lead exposure from ingestion of bullet fragments is a serious environmental hazard to eagles. We determined blood lead levels (BLL) in 178 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) captured during fall migration along a major North American flyway. These eagles spent the breeding season distributed over a large range and are the best currently available representation of free flying golden eagles on the continent. We found 58 % of these eagles containing increased BLL > 0.1 mg/L; 10 % were clinically lead poisoned with BLL > 0.6 mg/L; and 4 % were lethally exposed with BLL > 1.2 mg/L. No statistical difference in BLL existed between golden and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Golden eagles captured on carrion had higher BLL than those captured using live bait suggesting differences in feeding habits among individuals. Median BLL increased with age class. We propose a conceptual model for the long-term increase in BLL after ingestion of lead particles. The mean blood mercury level in golden eagles was 0.023 mg/L. We evaluate a field test for BLL that is based on anodic stripping voltammetry. This cost-effective and immediate method correlated well with results from inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, although results needed to be corrected for each calibration of the test kit.

ALAD genotypes and blood lead levels of neonates and children from e-waste exposure in Guiyu, China

Extensive e-waste recycling activity in Guiyu, China, has been conducted using primitive techniques for the last 20 years, resulting in serious heavy metal environmental contamination. A polymorphic variant of the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene has been found to influence lead uptake and, thus, may influence an individual's susceptibility to lead toxicity. We therefore explored whether the ALAD gene polymorphism affects blood lead levels of newborns and children in Guiyu. A total of 273 newborns and 504 children, and a combination of 2004/2005 and 2006 independent recruitments were used for this study. Umbilical cord blood from newborns (Guiyu/exposed group 189 vs. Chaonan/reference group 84) and venous blood from children (exposed group, 319 vs. Chendian/reference group 185) were collected. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for all samples, while ALAD genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP for 273 neonate cord blood and 246 children's blood. The median BBLs of neonates in exposed group vs. the reference group were 10.50 (2.36-40.78) vs. 7.79 (0.8-19.51) for 2004/2005 and 9.41 (9.28-47.60) vs. 5.49 (0.35-18.68) for 2006, while child mean BLLs were 15.31 ± 5.79 vs. 9.94 ± 4.05 for 2004/2005 and 13.17 ± 5.98 vs. 10.04 ± 4.85 for 2006. The genotype frequencies in newborns were 98.90 % for the ALAD-1/ALAD-1 homozygote and 1.10% for the ALAD-1/ALAD-2 heterozygotes, while the values were 95.93 and 4.07%, respectively, in children. The allele frequencies of the ALAD-1 and ALAD-2 were 99.45 and 0.55% for newborns, but 97.97 and 2.03% for children, respectively. No significant differences in blood lead levels were found between ALAD-1/ALAD-1 and ALAD-1/ALAD-2 either in newborns or in children. The frequency distribution of the ALAD-2 allele in newborns from the exposed group was lower than that of the reference group. There were no significant differences, between the two different ALAD genotypes in the lead load of newborns and children. The frequency distribution of ALAD gene does not influence the blood lead levels of newborns and children in this case, which means that the higher lead burden in the exposed children was possibly influenced by e-waste recycling, but not ALAD genotypes.