Growth and development in school age children - relation to blood lead level

ABSTRACT

This study was performed on 100 children from primary school in Dokki [as nonindustrial area] and 100 children from Shobra El-Khema [as an industrial area]. The sociodemographic data as well as the actual measurement of weight, height and mid upper arm circumference were taken. Weight/age and height/age values were analyzed. Cognitive and intellectual functioning were assessed. Verbal performance and total intelligent quotient [IQ] were obtained. Blood lead level [BLL], free erythrocyte protoporphyrin [FEP] and urinary delta-amino levulinic acid [6-ALA] were determined. It was found that 46% of children in the industrial area had blood lead levels [BLL] between 10-20 mug/dl and 41% had BLL more than 20 mug/dl. The mean BLL of children in the industrial area was 17.5 +/- 7.8 mug/dl. While, mean BLL in the nonindustrial area was 8.8 +/- 1.5 mug/dl. Mean delta-ALA in the industrial area was 2.6 +/- 1.35 mug/dl, while mean delta-ALA in the nonindustrial area was 0.85 +/- 0.29 mug/dl.66% of children from the industrial area were anemic with BLL >/10 mug/dl and FEP level > 35 mug/dl. Children in the industrial area had lower mean IQ scores than those in the nonindustrial area. The correlation values for IQ with lead in the industrial area were high. There was a statistically significant negative correlation of IQ with BLL in patients in the industrial area; while in those living in the industrial area, social status was the main predictor of children IQ