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Blood lead levels in children in Perth, Western Australia
T Threlfall1, N Kent, P Garcia-Webb
1Health Department of Western Australia, Perth.
Insights
This study analyzed lead levels in Perth children, finding overall low concentrations. However, under the new guideline, 21% of children may now have excessive lead levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
Background:
- Lead exposure in children is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding current blood lead levels is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze lead concentrations in venous blood samples from children in Perth.
- To compare current lead levels with national guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 123 venous blood samples from children aged 2 months to 17 years.
- Calculation of geometric mean blood lead concentrations.
- Comparison with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 'level of concern'.
Main Results:
- The overall geometric mean blood lead concentration was 6.9 µg/100 ml.
- Children aged 18 months to 2 years had the highest geometric mean blood lead (11.1 µg/100 ml).
- Under the new goal of <10 µg/100 ml, up to 21% of children may have excessive lead levels.
Conclusions:
- While mean blood lead levels in Perth children are lower than in other studies, a significant proportion may exceed current public health goals.
- The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and potential interventions to reduce lead exposure in children.
Abstract:
This study reports on an analysis of the lead concentrations in 123 venous blood samples collected from Perth children aged between two months and 17 years attending Princess Margaret Hospital. The overall geometric mean was 6.9 micrograms lead per 100 ml whole blood, with 95 per cent of results lying between 3.2 and 14.8 micrograms/100 ml. Among children under five years of age, those aged between 18 months and two years had the highest geometric mean blood lead (11.1 micrograms/100 ml). There were no consistent associations between geometric mean blood lead and area of residence, age group or sex. In this sample of Perth children, the mean blood lead concentration was lower than those reported in other studies. Less than 0.1 per cent of children of the age ranged studied would have been expected to have lead levels exceeding the NHMRC 'level of concern' (25 micrograms/100 ml) current at the time of the study. However, the recent adoption of goal of less than 10 micrograms/100 ml could mean that lead levels in up to 21 per cent of Perth children would now be regarded as excessive.