Blood Lead Levels in Children From a Non-industrial Urban Area in Indonesia
Anna Suraya1, Elvida Yuliana1, Agung Cahyono Triwibowo1
1Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Binawan University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Elevated blood lead levels (BLL) are a hidden concern in urban children, even without acute poisoning. This study found no direct link to common health issues, but urges routine screening and education.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Childhood lead exposure remains a significant public health issue, particularly in urban settings.
- Understanding the relationship between blood lead levels (BLL) and clinical outcomes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between BLL and clinical outcomes in children aged 1-5 years in a non-industrial urban environment.
- To identify risk factors for elevated BLL in this population.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jakarta with 105 hospitalized children.
- Data collection included caregiver interviews, medical record reviews, and venous blood lead level (BLL) testing.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the link between BLL and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- The mean BLL was 2.0 µg/dL, with 20% of children exceeding 5.0 µg/dL.
- No significant associations were found between elevated BLL and lead-related diagnoses, growth delays, anemia, or malnutrition.
- Higher odds of elevated BLL were observed in female children and those with less-educated mothers, but these were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- A considerable burden of lead exposure exists in children from urban non-industrial areas, despite the absence of acute poisoning.
- Findings underscore the importance of routine BLL screening and caregiver education on household lead risks.
- Strengthened community monitoring is recommended to mitigate early-life lead exposure in similar settings.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between blood lead level (BLL) and clinical outcomes among children aged 1 to 5 years in a non-industrial urban setting. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jakarta, involving 105 hospitalized children. Data were obtained from caregiver interviews, medical record reviews, and venous BLL testing. The mean BLL was 2.0 ug/dl (95% confidence interval [1.48, 2.67]), with 20% of children having levels above 5.0 µg/dL, and two children exceeding 10.0 µg/dL. No acute lead poisoning cases were identified. Anemia and malnutrition were observed in 31.5% and 17.1% of participants, respectively. Female children and those with less-educated mothers had higher odds of elevated BLL, though associations were not statistically significant. Logistic regression showed no significant link between elevated BLL and lead-related diagnoses, growth delays, anemia, or malnutrition. Despite this, the findings highlight a hidden burden of lead exposure in children from urban non-industrial areas. These results support the need for routine BLL screening, caregiver education on household lead risks, and strengthened community monitoring to reduce early-life exposure in similar settings.
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