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Lead and essential trace element levels in school children: a cross-sectional study
Y Srinivasa Reddy1, Raghu Pullakhandam, K V Radha Krishna
1Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR), Hyderabad, India.
Annals of Human Biology
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Sub-clinical lead (Pb) toxicity and trace element deficiencies are prevalent in urban Indian children. High blood lead levels correlate with reduced iron status and enzyme activity, indicating a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Nutritional status is a known factor influencing susceptibility to lead (Pb) toxicity.
- Investigating the specific interactions between nutrition and lead exposure is crucial for understanding toxicity mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sub-clinical lead toxicity (blood Pb ≥ 10 μg/dL) and deficiencies in Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Magnesium (Mg) among school children.
- To explore potential relationships between lead toxicity and trace element deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 195 school children from urban, urban heavy traffic, and urban industrial zones in Hyderabad, India.
- Measurements included blood lead levels, trace element concentrations, hemoglobin, and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of sub-clinical lead toxicity (54.3%) and trace element deficiencies (Fe 16.2%, Zn 68.6%, Mg 41.7%, Cu 25%) was observed.
- Children in heavy traffic and industrial areas exhibited higher blood lead levels and reduced δ-ALAD activity.
- Blood lead levels correlated inversely with serum iron in children from heavy traffic and industrial zones.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a high prevalence of sub-clinical lead toxicity and trace element deficiencies in urban children.
- Elevated blood lead levels are associated with decreased δ-ALAD activity and compromised iron status in exposed children.
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