Blood lead levels and influencing factors among outpatient children from 2016 to 2018 in Zhuzhou / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the blood lead level of outpatient children and associated factors in Zhuzhou, and to offer targeted advice for the prevention and control of lead exposure.@*Methods@#The lead level in blood of 1 600 children aged ≤14 years old and the content of serum calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper were tested, and the children and their parents were given a questionnaire regarding influencing factors of blood lead exposure.@*Results@#The average blood lead level of the children was (95.2±46.5)μg/L, The proportion of children with blood lead level ≥100 μg/L was 25.7%. The blood lead level between boys and girls had a statistical differences(Z=1.85, 2.85, P<0.05). The blood lead level was negatively correlated with serum calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper(F=16.80，P<0.01). The risk factors for lead exposure included frequently drinking canned or bottled soft drinks, failing to wash one’s hands before meals, taking popcorn frequently, using coal for heat and for cooking, and constantly sucking fingers or biting fingernails (OR=2.12, 1.57, 1.46, 1.78, 3.24, P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#The blood lead levels of children in Zhuzhou is higher than national average level. We should strengthen environmental protection and behavioral interventions, and regularly monitor lead exposure among children.