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Lead Exposure and Associated Risk Factors among New Migrant Children Arriving in Greece

Marsela Tanaka1, Konstantinos Petsios2, Stavroula K Dikalioti3

  • 1Pediatric Clinic, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Thivon & Levadeias str., Athens 11527, Greece. marstanaka@gmail.com.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|June 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Newly arrived migrant children in Greece show higher blood lead levels (BLLs) than native children. Younger age and Asian origin are key risk factors for elevated BLLs in this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Migrant children may face unique environmental exposures and health risks upon arrival in new countries.
  • Assessing lead exposure in newly arrived migrant children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate lead exposure levels in newly arrived migrant children compared to native Greek children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in migrant children.
  • To inform public health strategies for protecting children's health.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary children's hospital outpatient clinic.
  • Enrolled 598 children (349 migrant, 249 native) aged 1-14 years between 2010 and 2014.
  • Measured blood lead levels (BLLs) and analyzed associations with age, origin, and other factors.

Main Results:

  • Migrant children exhibited significantly higher BLLs (0.7-21 μg/dL) than native children (0.4-10 μg/dL).
  • Elevated BLLs (≥5 μg/dL) were found in 27.7% of migrants versus 1.2% of natives (p < 0.001).
  • Younger age (≤5 years) and Asian origin were significant risk factors for elevated BLLs.

Conclusions:

  • Newly arrived migrant children in Greece present with a higher burden of lead exposure compared to native children.
  • Early childhood and Asian ethnicity are identified as significant risk factors for elevated BLLs in this population.
  • Implementing early screening, secondary prevention, and regular follow-up is recommended for this vulnerable group.

Keywords:
blood lead levelschildrenimmigrantsrefugees

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