Serum Levels of Lead in 6-7 Year Old Children in Bushehr in 2012

Children are most vulnerable to lead poisoning compared to other age groups. The present study was conducted to measure the serum levels of lead in 6-7 year old children in Bushehr, Iran in 2012. In the present cross-sectional study, 453 children starting primary school were referred to a special laboratory to have their blood samples taken after completing a questionnaire. To
measure lead levels, CBC was performed on 283 subjects presenting to the laboratoy, and serum samples were collected from 272 subjects. Lead levels above 5 µg/dl were observed in 34.6% of the children, and lead levels above 10 µg/dl in 8.1%. No significant relationships were observed between lead levels and child’s gender (P=0.73), mother’s education level (P=0.43), father’s education level (P=0.94), BMI (P=0.19), having anemia (P=0.62), having microcytosis (P= 1) and the household paint being oil-based (P=0.62). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of mean IQ (P=0.39), building’s age (P=0.98) and residence duration (P=0.58). Father’s education level was found to be significantly associated with the number of decayed teeth (P=0.005), which was significantly higher in children with lead levels above 10 µg/dl (P=0.037). A minimum of 12% of children tested have lead levels of at least 10 µg/dl in high-risk areas for lead poisoning. The city of Bushehr is therefore considered a low-risk area for lead poisoning in children; nevertheless, lead levels are recommended to be monitored in children in Bushehr.