Lead exposure and neurobehavioral development in school children

ABSTRACT

The vulnerability of young children to lead toxicity has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Central nervous system is one of the most sensitive systems to lead. This study aimed to determine some risk factors associated with lead exposure and to detect the effect of lead exposure on children neurobehavioral development. One hundred school children were studied. They were interviewed and were subjected to estimation of blood and hair lead levels, assessment of intelligence and scholastic achievement, assessment of adjustment and neurological screening. Urban residence, dwelling in old houses and passive smoking were recognized as significant risk factors for lead exposure [p<0.05]. No significant difference between subjects age and their blood and hair lead levels [p>0.05]. A significant negative correlation was recorded between subjects intelligence and scholastic achievement and their blood and hair lead levels [p<0.05]. No significant difference between children with blood or hair levels above or below cutoff points as regards neurological screening [p>0.05]. Maladjusted children were significantly higher among children with elevated blood lead above cutoff point, but no significant difference as regards elevated hair lead [p>0.05]. Urban residence, dwelling in old houses and passive smoking were recorded as significant risk factors for lead exposure. Lead exposure was associated with neurobehavioral deterioration. Lead exposure can be assessed by measuring lead in blood and hair but blood screening method is more sensitive than hair one