Childhood lead exposure in Oporto, Portugal

The study aims were to evaluate childhood lead poisoning in Oporto, Portugal, characterize childhood exposures, find solutions to reduce them, and call the community's attention to the need for preventive measures. Children aged 1-5 years living in Oporto Historical Center, were the target population. Data were gathered by means of a questionnaire and blood lead analyses for 240 children who attended four randomly selected kindergartens. The geometric mean blood lead concentration was 13.9 microg/dl and lead poisoning prevalence (blood lead levels > 10 microg/dL) was 85.8%. Important sources of lead poisoning were father's occupation, mother's smoking habits, and poor hygiene and pica associated with contaminated soils and lead paint. Families were unaware of the problem of lead exposure and its harmful effects. The data indicate that high levels of childhood lead exposures still prevail in Oporto City, an important public health finding that deserves authorities' attention.