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Blood lead levels in preschool children in eastern Sydney
1Environmental Health, Food & Nutrition Branch, NSW Health Department, Sydney.
Insights
A study of young children in Sydney found elevated blood lead levels (PbBs) in 13.6% of participants. Key risk factors included home traffic volume and thumb-sucking in females, highlighting the need for public education on lead exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead exposure in young children is a significant public health concern.
- Childhood blood lead levels (PbBs) are influenced by various environmental and behavioral factors.
- Understanding lead exposure sources is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of blood lead levels (PbBs) in 1-4-year-old children in eastern Sydney.
- To identify significant risk factors associated with elevated PbBs in this pediatric population.
- To inform public health interventions aimed at reducing lead exposure.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional blood lead study was conducted from November 1992 to May 1993.
- 191 children aged 1-4 years attending child care centers were recruited.
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between PbBs and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- The geometric mean PbB was 0.34 mumol/L (7.2 micrograms/dL).
- 13.6% of children exceeded the NHMRC upper goal of 0.48 mumol/L (10 micrograms/dL).
- Home traffic flow, presence of pets, and thumb-sucking (in females) were significantly associated with higher PbBs.
Conclusions:
- Traffic volume showed a positive dose-response relationship with PbBs.
- Recent efforts to reduce lead in petrol may positively impact children's PbBs.
- Public education on household lead sources and control measures is essential.
Abstract:
A blood lead study of 1-4-year-old children attending child care centres in eastern Sydney was conducted from November 1992 until May 1993 to determine the distribution of blood lead levels (PbBs). A total of 191 children were tested during the survey, constituting a participation rate of 67%. The geometric mean PbB was 0.34 mumol/L (7.2 micrograms/dL); 13.6% of children had PbBs equal to or greater than the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) upper goal of 0.48 mumol/L (10 micrograms/dL). Traffic flow at home, the presence of pets at home and thumb-sucking in females were all highly associated with blood lead. In particular, the association between PbB and traffic volume indicated a positive dose-response type relationship. Removal of paint from a pre-1960s house and having a smoker in the house had a non-significant effect on variation in blood lead. These results suggest that recent government and industry actions to reduce lead in petrol should have a beneficial effect in lowering PbBs in children. Widespread public education on sources of lead around the home and on appropriate control measures to minimise exposure is warranted.