Serum Levels of Lead in 6-7 Year Old Children in Bushehr in 2012

Background: Children are most vulnerable to lead poisoning compared to other age groups. The present study was conducted to measure the serum levels of lead in 6-7 year old children in Bushehr, Iran in 2012. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 453 children starting primary school were referred to a special laboratory to have their blood samples taken after completing a questionnaire. To measure lead levels, CBC was performed on 283 subjects presenting to the laboratoy, and serum samples were collected from 272 subjects. Results: Lead levels above 5 µg/dl were observed in 34.6% of the children, and lead levels above 10 µg/dl in 8.1%. No significant relationships were observed between lead levels and child’s gender (P=0.73), mother’s education level (P=0.43), father’s education level (P=0.94), BMI (P=0.19), having anemia (P=0.62), having microcytosis (P= 1) and the household paint being oil-based (P=0.62). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of mean IQ (P=0.39), building’s age (P=0.98) and residence duration (P=0.58). Father’s education level was found to be significantly associated with the number of decayed teeth (P=0.005), which was significantly higher in children with lead levels above 10 µg/dl (P=0.037). Conclusion: A minimum of 12% of children tested have lead levels of at least 10 µg/dl in high-risk areas for lead poisoning. The city of Bushehr is therefore considered a low-risk area for lead poisoning in children; nevertheless, lead levels are recommended to be monitored in children in Bushehr