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Lead levels in primary teeth of children in Karachi
Abdur Rahman1, Farzana Abubakar Yousuf
1Dept of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, PO Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi-74800, Pakistan. abdur.rahman@aku.edu
Insights
Children in Karachi exhibit elevated lead levels, with shed teeth analysis revealing significant exposure. This study highlights potential environmental health risks for pediatric populations in the region.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Elevated blood lead levels are a significant concern for children's health.
- The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the upper safety limit at 10 micrograms/dl.
- Karachi, Pakistan, faces potential challenges with environmental lead exposure in its pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess chronic lead exposure in children residing in Karachi.
- To quantify lead levels in shed primary teeth as a biomarker of exposure.
- To identify potential variations in lead accumulation based on tooth type, sex, and age.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 309 primary school children in Karachi.
- Collection of shed primary teeth from participants across nine different schools.
- Analysis of lead content in whole teeth (dry weight) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with electrothermal atomization.
Main Results:
- The mean lead level in shed teeth was 5.78 micrograms/g, with a wide range (0.42 to 39.75 micrograms/g).
- Incisor teeth showed significantly higher mean lead levels (6.42 micrograms/g) compared to canines (4.91 micrograms/g) and molars (4.50 micrograms/g).
- Significant variations in lead levels were observed between different schools, but no differences were found between boys and girls, nor was there a correlation with chronological age.
Conclusions:
- Shed primary teeth serve as a valuable indicator of chronic lead exposure in children.
- The findings suggest widespread lead exposure among children in Karachi, necessitating further investigation and intervention.
- Variations in lead levels by tooth type and school location warrant targeted public health strategies.
Abstract:
The majority of children in Karachi have blood lead levels above 10 micrograms/dl, the upper safety limit set by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study was undertaken to evaluate chronic lead exposure in children by measuring lead levels in shed primary teeth collected from primary school children in Karachi. A total of 309 teeth were collected from nine different schools, and analysed for lead content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with electrothermal atomization. The mean (SD) age of the subjects was 7.6 (1.2) years and the mean lead level was 5.78 micrograms/g of whole tooth (dry weight), ranging from 0.42 to 39.75 micrograms/g. Incisor teeth had a significantly higher mean (SD) lead level, 6.42 (4.19) micrograms/g, than canines and molars which contained 4.91 (5.12) micrograms and 4.50 (2.67) micrograms lead whole tooth (dry weight), respectively. Significant differences were observed between different schools. No difference was observed between boys and girls and the accumulation of lead in teeth was not correlated with chronological age.