Study on blood lead levels in children

Background: Recent evidence incidence that low level of lead exposure, previously thought to be safe, have adverse effects on neurobehavioural and cognitive development of the child. Aim: This study was a clinical study composed of children who were likely to be at higher risk for lead exposure. To correlate Blood lead levels with the clinical profile, developmental and behavioral profile and bio-chemical parameters of these children. Materials and methods: Patients attending Niloufer hospital, Hyderabad were evaluated for pica were considered to be at risk for inorganic lead poisoning and Children who working at petrol bunks were at risk of Organic Lead poisoning Results: Children of lower socio-economic state of classes of 3 and 4 and those living poor housing conditions are associated with high blood lead levels than children of higher and those in good housing conditions. Pica children had significantly higher blood levels, more behaviour problems and lower hemoglobin levels than controls. Pica particularly for multiple (mud, plaster, coal) and duration of habit for more than 6 months are associated with high blood lead levels. Children working in petrol bunks for more than 1 year showed a high Blood Pb levels and low hemoglobin levels than those working for less than 1 year and controls. Children of petrol bunk group, showed more behavioural problem and significant organic impairment and low intelligence than controls. Children of petrol bunk group, similar to pica group showed a high Blood Lead levels. Conclusion: Present study suggests that oral ingestion in an important route of inorganic poisoning in children with pica, where inhalation through respiratory passages and absorption through intact skin is an important route of organic lead poisoning in children working in petrol bunks or automobile garages-by virtue of their occupation.