Blood lead concentration and its associated factors in preschool children in eastern Iran: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Lead is a toxic metal that affects almost every organ in the body. Children are more susceptible to lead toxicity because they ingest non-food items (pica), have oral exploratory habits, absorb more substantial amounts of ingested lead compared to adults, and have a developing central nervous system. This study describes venous blood lead concentrations (BLC) in young children living in Birjand, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2016 on children 1-7 years of age who were referred to healthcare centers in Birjand City. Demographic information was obtained, and their BLC was tested using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results: Four hundred children were tested. Their mean age was 52.37 ± 23.77 months; their mean BLC was 2.49 ± 2.64 μg/dL (median 1.85 μg/dL). Thirty-two (8%) children had a BLC > 5 μg/dL. A logistic regression model revealed that per one unit of increase in age, the chance of an elevated BLC decreased by 3% (OR (95%CI): 0.97 (0.96-0.99), p < 0.01). The risks of an elevated BLC was 61% lower in girls compared to boys (OR (95%CI): 0.39 (0.17-0.92), p = 0.03). Further, per one rate of increase in the BMI, the chance of an elevated BLC was higher (OR (95%CI): 1.13 (1.02-1.24), p = 0.01). Children whose fathers were laborers had higher BLC than those with employee fathers (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Of 400 children aged 1-7 years old living in Birjand, Iran, 8% had elevated BLC. BLC correlated with the child 's age, gender, body mass index, and father's occupation.