Low-level lead exposure and children intellectual abilities

ABSTRACT

Is lead related to deficits in the cognitive abilities or educational attainment of school children at low level of exposure? 300 school children were studied, their ages ranged between 6-12 years. All children were assessed as regards history taking, blood lead level, I.Q and attention score. The mean blood lead level of all children studied was 14.4 ug/dl and this level decreases with increasing age. The mean blood lead level in rural children is always less than those of urban children in all age groups. Higher blood lead levels were found in low socioeconomic standard children. A negative correlation coefficient [r] was found between blood lead level and I.Q. In all ages the partial correlation coefficient [r] was negative and P<0.01. The mean interest score was 51.3 +/- 14.2 and there was a negative highly significant correlation between blood lead level and interest score