Research

Blood Lead Concentrations in 1–3 Year Old Lebanese Children: A Cross-sectional study

Iman Nuwayhid¹ , Mona Nabulsi² , Samar Muwakkit² , Sarah Kouzi¹ , George Salem³ , Mohamed Mikati² and Majd Ariss²

¹  Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

²  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

³  Private practice

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Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source 2003, 2:5doi:10.1186/1476-069X-2-5

Published:	15 April 2003

Abstract

Background

Childhood lead poisoning has not made the list of national public health priorities in Lebanon. This study aims at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for elevated blood lead concentrations (B-Pb ≥ 100 μg/L) among 1–3 year old children. It also examines the need for universal blood lead screening.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 281 well children, presenting to the pediatric ambulatory services at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in 1997–98. Blood was drawn on participating children for lead analysis and a structured questionnaire was introduced to mothers asking about social, demographic, and residence characteristics, as well as potential risk factors for lead exposure. Children with B-Pb ≥ 100 μg/L were compared to those with B-Pb < 100 μg/L.

Results

Mean B-Pb was 66.0 μg/L (median 60.0; range 10–160; standard deviation 26.3) with 39 (14%) children with B-Pb ≥ 100 μg/L. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated B-Pb was associated with paternal manual jobs (odds ratio [OR]: 4.74), residence being located in high traffic areas (OR: 4.59), summer season (OR: 4.39), using hot tap water for cooking (OR: 3.96), exposure to kohl (OR: 2.40), and living in older buildings (OR: 2.01).

Conclusion

Lead screening should be offered to high-risk children. With the recent ban of leaded gasoline in Lebanon, emphasis should shift to other sources of exposure in children.