Related Experiment Videos
[Exposure to lead in selected population groups. IV. Lead exposure among nursery children in Chorzow]
J Kasznia-Kocot1, M Jarkowski, J Grabecki
1IV Kliniki Pediatrii Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej, Chorzowie.
Insights
This study assessed lead exposure in young children in Chorzów, Poland. Results indicate higher lead absorption in the tested children, with some exceeding safe levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Context:
- Chorzów, Poland, is a densely populated industrial city with significant traffic.
- Lead exposure is a critical concern for children's health and development.
- Assessing environmental lead levels in vulnerable populations is essential.
Purpose:
- To determine lead exposure levels in children aged 2-4 years attending nursery school in three Chorzów districts.
- To investigate the relationship between traffic intensity and lead exposure in children.
- To compare observed lead levels with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Summary:
- Blood lead (Pb-B) levels were measured in 124 children, along with zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte count (E), and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and creatinine.
- Geometric means for blood lead concentrations were 131, 132, and 199 µg/l across districts, with no statistically significant differences.
- 19.5%, 11.8%, and 15% of children, respectively, showed average blood lead levels above 200 µg/l.
Impact:
- The findings suggest elevated lead absorption in the studied children's population.
- Data highlights potential risks associated with environmental lead in urban industrial areas.
- Results underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce lead exposure in children.
Abstract:
Main goal of this studies was to determine the level of exposure to lead of selected representatives of children's population attended nursery school, aged 2 to 4 years, residing in three different districts of Chorzów as far as the traffic intensity is concerned. It is the most densely populated town in Poland with the high concentration of industry and considerable intensity of traffic. Number of tested samples of children were 41, 43, 40. The tests were made in summer. Lead (Pb-B), zinc protoporphyrin level (ZPP), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte count in blood (E) and delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and creatinine concentration in urine were determined. The highest Pb-B level observed was 300 micrograms/l, the geometric mean of the blood lead concentrations were: 131, 132, and 199 micrograms/l and were not statistically valid in their differences. Median ranges were 118, 133 and 144 micrograms/l. Averages above the level 200 micrograms/l were found in the case of 19.5%, 11.8% and 15% children. Data were estimated in comparison with WHO recommended admissible blood lead level in overall population. The obtained data suggest higher lead absorption in the examined children's population.