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Blood lead concentrations in 1-3 year old Lebanese children: a cross-sectional study
Iman Nuwayhid1, Mona Nabulsi, Samar Muwakkit
1Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. nuwayhid@aub.edu.lb
Insights
Childhood lead poisoning in Lebanon affects 14% of 1-3 year olds. Risk factors include paternal jobs, traffic areas, and older homes, necessitating targeted screening.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Childhood lead poisoning is a significant public health concern not prioritized in Lebanon.
- This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead concentrations (B-Pb) in young children.
- The need for universal blood lead screening is examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of elevated blood lead concentrations (B-Pb) in children aged 1-3 years in Lebanon.
- To identify key risk factors associated with increased B-Pb levels in this pediatric population.
- To assess the implications for public health policy regarding childhood lead exposure.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 281 children aged 1-3 years presenting at pediatric ambulatory services.
- Blood lead level analysis was performed, and mothers completed questionnaires on social, demographic, residence, and exposure characteristics.
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, compared children with B-Pb ≥ 100 µg/L to those with B-Pb < 100 µg/L.
Main Results:
- The mean B-Pb was 66.0 µg/L, with 14% of children exhibiting B-Pb ≥ 100 µg/L.
- Elevated B-Pb was significantly associated with paternal manual jobs (OR: 4.74), high-traffic residences (OR: 4.59), and summer season (OR: 4.39).
- Other identified risk factors included using hot tap water for cooking (OR: 3.96), kohl exposure (OR: 2.40), and residing in older buildings (OR: 2.01).
Conclusions:
- Lead screening should be recommended for high-risk children identified through these factors.
- With the phase-out of leaded gasoline, public health efforts must focus on other significant lead exposure sources.
- Targeted interventions are crucial to mitigate childhood lead poisoning in Lebanon.
Background:
Childhood lead poisoning has not made the list of national public health priorities in Lebanon. This study aims at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for elevated blood lead concentrations (B-Pb >or= 100 microg/L) among 1-3 year old children. It also examines the need for universal blood lead screening.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study of 281 well children, presenting to the pediatric ambulatory services at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in 1997-98. Blood was drawn on participating children for lead analysis and a structured questionnaire was introduced to mothers asking about social, demographic, and residence characteristics, as well as potential risk factors for lead exposure. Children with B-Pb >or= 100 microg/L were compared to those with B-Pb < 100 microg/L.
Results:
Mean B-Pb was 66.0 microg/L (median 60.0; range 10-160; standard deviation 26.3) with 39 (14%) children with B-Pb >or= 100 microg/L. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated B-Pb was associated with paternal manual jobs (odds ratio [OR]: 4.74), residence being located in high traffic areas (OR: 4.59), summer season (OR: 4.39), using hot tap water for cooking (OR: 3.96), exposure to kohl (OR: 2.40), and living in older buildings (OR: 2.01).
Conclusion:
Lead screening should be offered to high-risk children. With the recent ban of leaded gasoline in Lebanon, emphasis should shift to other sources of exposure in children.