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Lead in human blood from children living in Campania, Italy
R Amodio-Cocchieri1, A Arnese, E Prospero
1Cattedra di Igiene, Istituto di Microbiologia Agraria, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
Insights
Children in Naples show higher blood lead (PbB) levels than those in rural areas, indicating a risk of lead intoxication. Atmospheric lead (PbA) levels also correlate with higher PbB in urban environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Lead exposure in children is a significant public health concern due to potential neurodevelopmental impacts.
- Assessing blood lead (PbB) levels and correlating them with environmental lead (PbA) exposure is crucial for identifying at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare blood lead levels in children residing in urban (Naples) and rural (Caserta) areas of Campania.
- To investigate the relationship between atmospheric lead concentrations and children's blood lead levels in these distinct environments.
- To evaluate the risk of chronic lead intoxication among children based on established safe blood lead level thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Blood lead (PbB) levels were measured in children from Naples and a rural zone in Caserta.
- Atmospheric lead (PbA) concentrations were monitored over one year (1993-1994) in both urban and rural study sites.
- Children and their families were surveyed regarding lifestyle and dietary habits to identify non-atmospheric lead exposure sources.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher median PbB levels were observed in children from Naples (13.8 µg/dL males, 13.7 µg/dL females) compared to the rural area (8.9 µg/dL males, 8.8 µg/dL females).
- Mean atmospheric lead (PbA) levels were substantially higher in Naples (1.15 µg/m³) than in the rural area (0.23 µg/m³).
- A strong correlation was found between higher PbB levels and increased PbA concentrations in the urban setting.
Conclusions:
- Children living in Naples exhibit elevated blood lead levels, placing them at risk for chronic lead intoxication.
- Higher atmospheric lead concentrations in urban environments contribute significantly to increased blood lead levels in children.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce lead exposure in urban pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Blood lead (PbB) levels were determined in children living in Campania (in Naples and in a rural zone in the district of Caserta). Atmospheric lead (PbA) concentration in these considered areas was monitored for 1 yr (1993-1994). The children tested were questioned about common sources of lead, other than atmospheric, relating to their living and dietary habits. The PbB levels in children living in Naples were, at the 50th percentile, 13.8 micrograms/dl in males and 13.7 micrograms/dl in females; in children living in the rural area the median PbB levels were 8.9 micrograms/dl in males and and 8.8 micrograms/dl in females. The annual mean values of atmospheric lead were 1.15 +/- 0.24 micrograms/m3 in Naples and 0.23 +/- 0.07 micrograms/m3 in the rural area. Significant and congruent mean differences between urban and rural sites were found in children's blood and concurrent air lead. Considering the PbB level of 10 micrograms/dl as the maximum level that is not associated any known adverse effect in children, the Neapolitan group can be considered at risk of chronic intoxication by lead.