Lead Microintoxication in Children Living

The aim of our study was to assess blood lead levels in children to find correlations between blood lead levels and physical and psychological development, and behaviour and learning progress of children living in Bytom, a town in an ecologically disastrous region. In 1996-97 we examined 2000 children (about 4 % of the general population) in different age groups. A preliminary questionnaire was used to select the children at the highest risk of intoxication. Blood samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Psychological tests were performed using the Denver scale, Short Intelligence scale, Kohs test and the Monachium method. The average blood lead levels in examinated groups of children were:- newborns- 3.65 ug/dl ±1.31- mothers of newborns- 5.42 ug/dl ± 1.8- 6-24 month old children- 4.97 ug/dl ± 2.25- 3 year olds- 4.6 ug/dl ± 1.68- school-aged children- 4.96 ug/dl ± 2.16 We found significantly higher blood lead concentrations in the group of mothers and their newborns with perinatal complications in comparison to healthy ones. Our data show that children's activities essentially influence blood lead levels from the age of 12 months. In industrial regions such as Bytom, lowered grades in school are be an indicator that blood lead concent-rations should be tested