Dhaka, Bangladesh, has one of the highest air lead levels worldwide. In February 2000, we evaluated children at five primary schools in Dhaka to determine blood lead levels (BLLs), sources of environmental exposure, and potential risk factors for lead poisoning. Selected schools represented a range of geographic and socioeconomic strata. A total of 779 students aged 4-12 years participated. The mean BLL was 15.0 mcg/dL (range 4.2 mcg/dL-63.1 mcg/dL). Most students (87.4%) had BLLs above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's level of concern (10 mcg/dL). Elevated BLLs correlated with soil eating (odds ratio [OR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-8.39), low parental education (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.97-3.75), living close to major roads (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.23-4.29), and increasing age (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.16). BLLs measured were similar to those in other countries that use leaded gasoline. No other potential sources of lead exposure were consistently identified. Combustion of leaded gasoline is the main source of lead exposure in Dhaka, resulting in ubiquitous contamination of the environment. The increase in BLLs with age, a finding contrary to observations in the USA and Australia, may be related to increased outdoor activities. The Bangladeshi government recently announced a plan to eliminate leaded gasoline. Baseline BLL surveys are critical to develop and evaluate intervention policies. Strategies to reduce BLLs need to address variations in socioeconomic status, construction type and location of housing, and levels of hygiene.
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the procedures involved in performing a community blood lead study 2. Recognize common sources of lead poisoning in southern Asia 3. Recognize important risk factors for lead poisoning in southern Asia
Keywords: Child Health, Lead
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