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Factors associated with blood lead levels in children in Shenyang, China: a cross-sectional study
Xiao-Jun Cheng1, Guang-Bo Li2, Shuang-Shuang Zhang1
1Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Blood lead levels (BLLs) in Shenyang children remain high, with puffed grains and eggs linked to increased BLLs. Frequent hand washing before meals may offer protection against elevated lead exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood blood lead levels (BLLs) are decreasing but low-level exposure poses risks.
- Understanding factors influencing BLLs in children is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors affecting blood lead levels (BLLs) in children residing in Shenyang, China.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 273 children aged 1-6 years.
- Data collected via structured questionnaires on demographics and dietary habits.
- Blood lead concentrations measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
Main Results:
- The geometric mean BLLs were 24.94 μg/L for boys and 23.75 μg/L for girls.
- A significant prevalence of BLLs ≥35 μg/L (22.7%) was observed, particularly in children under 3 years.
- Frequent hand washing before meals showed a protective effect (adjusted OR: 0.427), while consumption of puffed grains and eggs was associated with higher BLLs (adjusted ORs: 1.714 and 1.787, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Childhood BLLs in Shenyang exceed those in developed nations.
- Dietary factors, specifically puffed grains and eggs, are associated with elevated BLLs.
- Promoting frequent hand washing before meals may be a key preventive strategy against high BLLs in children.
Background:
Although blood lead levels (BLLs) in children are gradually decreasing, low-concentration lead exposure can still exert adverse effects. We studied the factors that affect BLLs in children in Shenyang, China.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study by administering structured questionnaires on family demographics and food intake. The concentrations of lead in venous blood were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results:
A total of 273 children aged 1-6 years were enrolled. The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of BLLs was 24.94 (12.70) μg/L in boys and 23.75 (11.34) μg/L in girls. The prevalence of BLLs of ≥35 μg/L was 22.7% and was mainly observed in children aged under 3 years. Often hand washing before meals was protective against BLLs ≥20 μg/L (adjusted OR: 0.427, 95%CI: 0.238-0.767, p = 0.004). Consumption of puffed grains and eggs had an adjusted OR (95%CI) for BLLs ≥20 μg/L of 1.714 (1.012-2.901) (p = 0.045) and 1.787 (1.000-3.192) (p = 0.050), respectively.
Conclusions:
BLLs of children in Shenyang are still higher than in developed countries. Consumption of puffed grains and eggs is associated with higher BLLs. Often hand washing before meals may be protective against high BLLs.
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