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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Intoxication | Research article

Environmental assessment of pediatric Lead exposure in Tehran; a prospective cross-sectional study

Authors: Hedieh Ahangar, Afsoon Karimdoost, Amir Salimi, Maryam Akhgari, Scott Phillips, Nasim Zamani, Nasibeh Hassanpour, Ali-Asghar Kolahi, Gary R. Krieger, Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Ingestion 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.

Methods

In 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.

Results

Thirty 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).

Conclusion

Children’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.

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Title: Environmental assessment of pediatric Lead exposure in Tehran; a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hedieh Ahangar
Afsoon Karimdoost
Amir Salimi
Maryam Akhgari
Scott Phillips
Nasim Zamani
Nasibeh Hassanpour
Ali-Asghar Kolahi
Gary R. Krieger
Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Intoxication
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11494-1

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Springer Medicine

Environmental assessment of pediatric Lead exposure in Tehran; a prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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