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Blood lead levels in preschool children in Cape Town
Insights
In Cape Town, 4.4% of young children had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). Pica, an eating disorder, was significantly more common in children with high BLLs, suggesting a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead exposure in children is a significant public health concern.
- Metropolitan areas often present unique environmental challenges for child health.
- Understanding lead absorption requires assessing various contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the degree of lead absorption in preschool-aged children in Cape Town.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with elevated blood lead levels.
Main Methods:
- Blood lead levels (BLLs) and zinc protoporphyrin were measured in 293 children (4-6 years).
- Questionnaires collected data on socio-economic status, diet, and pica.
- Environmental lead sampling was conducted in homes of high and low BLL children.
Main Results:
- 4.4% of children had BLLs >= 30 micrograms/dl.
- Children with high BLLs were clustered in a deprived inner-urban area.
- Pica incidence was significantly higher in children with elevated BLLs.
Conclusions:
- A small but significant proportion of Cape Town preschoolers exhibit concerning blood lead levels.
- Pica is a potential indicator or contributing factor to lead absorption in this population.
- Targeted interventions in high-risk urban environments are warranted.
Abstract:
Blood lead levels were assessed in 293 children aged between 4 and 6 years attending preschool centres in metropolitan Cape Town in order to establish the degree of lead absorption. Anthropometric data, blood count, zinc protoporphyrin and blood lead level were obtained for each child. A questionnaire was used to determine socio-economic status, dietary habits and history of pica. Thirteen children, or 4,4% of those sampled, had blood levels of greater than or equal to 30 micrograms/dl. The majority of these children lived in close proximity to one another in a socially deprived inner urban environment. Environmental sampling for lead was carried out in the homes of children with the highest blood levels as well as in the homes of a matched control group with low levels living in the same area. The only difference was a significantly higher incidence of pica in the children with high levels.
