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Blood lead concentration and its associated factors in preschool children in eastern Iran: a cross-sectional study

Mahmoud Zardast1, Seyedeh Samira Khorashadi-Zadeh2, Samaneh Nakhaee1

  • 1Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.

BMC Pediatrics
|September 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Eight percent of children aged 1-7 in Birjand, Iran, had elevated blood lead concentrations (BLC). Higher BLC was linked to older age, male gender, higher BMI, and father's occupation as a laborer.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Lead is a toxic metal with detrimental effects on nearly every organ system.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to lead toxicity due to developmental factors and behaviors like pica.
  • This study assesses blood lead concentrations (BLC) in young children in Birjand, Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of elevated blood lead concentrations (BLC) in children aged 1-7 years in Birjand, Iran.
  • To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with BLC in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 involving 400 children aged 1-7 years.
  • Venous blood lead concentrations (BLC) were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).
  • Demographic data, including age, gender, BMI, and father's occupation, were collected.

Main Results:

  • The mean BLC was 2.49 ± 2.64 μg/dL, with 8% of children exhibiting BLC > 5 μg/dL.
  • Elevated BLC was associated with increased age (OR: 0.97), male gender (OR: 0.39), higher BMI (OR: 1.13), and father's occupation as a laborer.
  • Logistic regression indicated that older children and girls had a lower chance of elevated BLC, while higher BMI and father's laborer occupation increased the risk.

Conclusions:

  • 8% of children aged 1-7 in Birjand, Iran, had elevated blood lead concentrations.
  • Blood lead concentrations were significantly correlated with the child's age, gender, body mass index, and father's occupation.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce lead exposure in vulnerable children in the region.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood lead concentrationChildrenIranLead toxicity

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