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Lead exposure among nursery children in Chorzów
J Kasznia-Kocot1, M Jarkowski, J Grabecki
1Silesiank Academy of Medicine, IVth Pediatric Clinic in Chorzów.
Insights
This study assessed lead exposure in young children (2-4 years) in Chorzów, finding elevated blood lead levels in a significant percentage, suggesting higher lead absorption in this population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for young children.
- Traffic intensity is a potential environmental factor influencing lead exposure levels in urban areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the blood lead levels in children aged 2-4 years residing in Chorzów districts with varying traffic intensities.
- To assess potential correlations between traffic intensity and lead exposure in children.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 124 children (aged 2-4 years) during summer.
- Analyzed parameters included blood lead (Pb-B), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte count (E), and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and creatinine.
- Children resided in three Chorzów districts characterized by different traffic intensities.
Main Results:
- Geometric means for blood lead concentrations were 131, 132, and 119 µg/l, with no statistically significant differences between districts.
- The highest observed Pb-B level was 300 µg/l.
- 11.8% to 19.5% of children exhibited blood lead levels above 200 µg/l.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates elevated lead absorption in the examined child population in Chorzów.
- While not statistically significant, observed lead levels warrant further investigation into environmental factors like traffic intensity.
Abstract:
The main goal of this study was to determine the level of exposure to lead of selected representatives of the child population attending nursery school, aged 2 to 4 years, residing in three districts of Chorzów with different traffic intensities. The numbers 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 means of the blood lead concentrations were 131, 132 and 119 micrograms/l and were not statistically different. Median ranges were 118, 133 and 114 micrograms/l. Ranges above the 200 micrograms/l level were found in 19.5%, 11.8% and 15% of the children. The obtained data suggest higher lead absorption in the examined child population.