Blood lead levels in apparently healthy children seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In excess of tolerable blood levels, lead essentially a toxicant, is injurious to the CNS and other systems in man  particularly children. The deleterious effects can occur in immediate or long term. Known predisposing factors in excessive blood lead levels (BLLs) are prevalent in Nigeria and unduly high BLLs have been noted in parts of the country. Values for Benin and its environ are not documented.

Objective(s): The objective of the study was to determine BLLs in apparently healthy children aged 1-15 years.

Subjects and Methods: Subjects were 89 (64.0%) males and 50 (34.0%) females drawn from upper social class, [105(75.5%)] and lower class [34 (24.5%)]. They were among children on routine follow up in the Consultant Outpatient Clinics of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. BLLs were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Results: Of the 139, 111(79.9%) had elevated BLLs (eBLLs) (> 9 µg/dl). About 3% had BLLof >45 µg/dl. Prevalence of eBLLs was independent of gender, age and family socioeconomic status (SEC). Mean BLL(mBLL) in subjects was 19.24 ± 10.17 g/dl (range 8 – 53g/dl). This was uninfluenced by gender and age. However, mean value of 23.35+12.35 µg/dl obtained in children from lower SEC was significantly higher than (18.12+9.17 µg/dl) from those in upper SEC (t=2.38; p=0.019). None of the risk factors examined predicted eBLLs. Though mBLLwas higher in obese compared to children who were of normal weight/overweight, nutritional status
did not significantly influence mBLL.

Conclusions/Recommendations: Prevalence of eBLLs is children in Benin and its environ is sufficiently high to warrant immediate attention from stakeholders. This could include creation of awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning, policy changes regarding disposal of lead-laden materials and implementing other measures known to checkmate environmental leadpollution.

Keywords: Blood, Lead, Children, Benin City