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Study protocol to examine the relationship between environmental exposure to lead and blood lead levels among children from day-care centres in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especially 5-year-olds. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been associated with their daily surrounding environment. This protocol seeks to evaluate the association between environmental lead exposure and BLLs among children in day-care centres, including household and other risk factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:To achieve the objectives of the study, we adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyser was used for environmental sampling, and BLLs were determined using the LeadCare II machine among preschool children. Household and other risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Random sampling was employed to select day-care centres in the municipality and children in each day-care centre. Data will be analysed using SPSS V. 26. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:Ethical approval and permission were obtained prior to commencement of the study. The researcher intends to publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and also to present a paper at a scientific conference. The study will generate information on environmental lead exposure among vulnerable children (2-5 years), and it will promote public health action to prevent long-term exposure in day-care centres.

SUBMITTER: Cindi MD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7264638 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Study protocol to examine the relationship between environmental exposure to lead and blood lead levels among children from day-care centres in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Cindi Mbalenhle Desiree MD Mbonane Thokozani Patrick TP Naicker Nisha N

BMJ open 20200530 5

<h4>Introduction</h4>Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especially 5-year-olds. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been associated with their daily surrounding environment. This protocol seeks to evaluate the association between environmental lead exposure and BLLs among children in day-care centres, including household and other risk factors.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>To achieve the objectives of the study, we adopted a cross-sectional ...[more]

PMID: 32474431

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Project description:BackgroundIngestion and inhalation are common routes of exposure for lead in humans. Developing countries still have unacceptably high rates of lead toxicity, especially in children. Studies on probable risk factors of lead poisoning in Iranian children are insufficient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible environmental factors in children with high blood lead concentrations living in Tehran and neighboring cities.MethodsIn a prospective cross-sectional study between March 2018 and March 2019 we followed all children referred from two pediatric gastrointestinal clinics with blood lead level (BLL) > 5 μg/dL in metropolitan Tehran to investigate possible environmental risk factors in their home. Household specimens including scratched wall paint, house floor dust, windowsill dust, tap water, and consumed spice were evaluated using atomic absorption method to detect lead concentrations. Epidemiological and environmental data collected through in-depth interviews with parents/guardians. Industrial areas were defined based on municipality maps on industrial places.ResultsThirty of 56 parents/guardians with BLL > 5 μg/dL agreed to be followed through environmental investigation. The only categorical statistically significant risk factor was a history of lead poisoning in the family and living in an industrial zone. There was a positive correlation between BLL and interior windowsills dust lead level, r = 0.46, p = 0.01. Scratched paint lead level and BLL showed a significant positive correlation, r = 0.50, p = 0.005. House floor dust lead level (median = 77.4, p < 0.001) and interior windowsill dust lead level (median = 291, p = 0.011) were both significantly higher than the environmental protection agency (EPA) standards of 40 μg/ft2, 250 μg/ft2. Interior windowsill dust lead concentrations were significantly higher in industrial areas (p = 0.026).ConclusionChildren's playing environment should be cleaned more often to reduce dust. Moreover, specific rules may need to be implemented for paint lead concentrations and air pollution, especially in industrial areas.

Dataset Information

Study protocol to examine the relationship between environmental exposure to lead and blood lead levels among children from day-care centres in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Publications

Study protocol to examine the relationship between environmental exposure to lead and blood lead levels among children from day-care centres in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

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