Blood lead levels in young children in Chakshahzad, Islamabad

Blood lead levels were estimated in one hundred and seventy school children, aged 13 to 19 years, residing in Chakshahzad area of Islamabad. The overall mean blood lead level was 2.38 ug/dl (range 0.2 to 8.6 ug/dl), 3.22 ug/dl in boys and 1.49 ug/dl in girls. A significant difference (p < 0.01) was found in mean blood lead concentrations between the two sexes. The highest mean levels for lead were found at the age of 13 years. Blood lead levels in adolescents reported here were relatively low. They reflect very little or no risk to the health of children in Chakshahzad and it also indicated that area of Chakshahzad is relatively free from any lead pollution.