Blood lead levels in children of Lucknow, India

Abstract

After implementing measures to control lead pollution in many countries, blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been declined. The phase-out of leaded petrol began in Lucknow, the capital of most populated state, Uttar Pradesh in India on April 1, 2000. We evaluated the mean BLL and associated risk factors for lead exposure in Lucknow children (3-12 years) after petrol lead phase-out activity. The mean BLL of the 200 children was 9.3 microg/dL (range: 1.0-27.9 microg/dL). Seventy-four children (37%) had BLL above the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) level of concern (10 microg/dL). When these data were compared with BLLs determined by the George Foundation among the children of Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi during the year 1997 when leaded petrol was in use, where 62%, 62%, 87%, 96%, 43%, and 95%, respectively, then exceeded the CDC intervention level. Further, BLL of present study was very close to Mumbai children (age < or =12 years) estimated following the introduction of unleaded petrol, and 33% children had BLL above the CDC concern level with an average 8.4 microg/dL. Low socioeconomic status, proximity of home to traffic density, and mother's illiteracy were the factors associated with elevated BLLs in Lucknow children (P < 0.05). Overall, results indicate a declining trend of BLL in Lucknow children when compared with those reported from other cities of India when leaded petrol was in practice. A national population-based study is recommended to determine the prevalence of elevated BLLs after the phase-out of leaded-petrol. In addition, future studies on other sources of lead exposure in Lucknow are warranted for public health purposes.

Autism spectrum disorder prevalence and proximity to industrial facilities releasing arsenic, lead or mercury

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that concentrations of particulate matter and air pollutants are higher in areas closer to industrial facilities (Burstyn et al, 2007; Gildemeister et al, 2007). Therefore, our findings may support those of studies previously reporting associations between distance from point sources, duration and frequency of exposure to air pollutants, and subsequent higher body burden of toxicants for individuals living in those areas, including those reporting higher hair, urine, and blood levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic in those living closer to point sources such as agricultural land (Molina-Villalba et al, 2014), high-traffic roads (Ahamed et al, 2010; Gulson et al, 2006; Rahbar et al, 2002; Shen et al, 1997; Stroh et al, 2009), smelters (Do et al, 2011; Hegde et al, 2010; Hwang et al, 1997; Leroyer et al, 2000; Stroh et al, 2009), and mines (Basu et al, 2010; Wickre et al, 2004). Additionally, exposures to ambient air pollutants have been shown to stimulate oxidative stress and inflammation in humans, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopment and ASD.…”

“…For example, Volk et al (2011) reported a positive association with ASD case-status and birth residence near freeways, which may also be a proxy for exposure to lead sources (Ahamed et al, 2010; Gulson et al, 2006; Rahbar et al, 2002; Stroh et al, 2009). Notably, Palmer et al (2009) also reported an association with school system-based ASD prevalence, according to school records, and proximity of school districts to mercury emitting industrial facilities.…”

Blood lead, cadmium and mercury among children from urban, industrial and rural areas of Fez Boulemane Region (Morocco): Relevant factors and early renal effects

“…It is also much higher than the BLLs means in urban areas in Canada (children aged 6-11 years, 10.2 μg/l) and in Brazil (children aged 6-8 years, 24 μg/l) [30,34]. The BLLs in our series are however comparable to other studies in children exposed to roads with heavy traffic, e.g., studies conducted in India (children aged 3-12 years) and in Uruguay (children aged 2-14 years) cities reported BLLs of 93.2 μg/l and 94 μg/l, respectively [35,36]. Interestingly, these studies reported the proximity to traffic as the main determinant of high BLLs in children.…”

Assessing windows of susceptibility to lead-induced cognitive deficits in Mexican children

“…While the persistence of the observed relationship between BPb concentrations at 2 years of age and cognitive ability deserves further study, the neurotoxic effects of Pb are well documented and efforts should be made to reduce or eliminate childhood Pb exposures. Childhood BPb concentrations have declined in the United States (US), but childhood Pb exposure remains a persistent problem in developing countries (Ahamed et al, 2010; He et al, 2009; Roy et al, 2009; Shi et al, 2010; Zhang et al, 2009). If specific periods of development are found to be sensitive to Pb, then public health interventions could be better targeted to reduce or eliminate exposures prior to susceptible developmental windows.…”