Levels of Lead in the Blood of Children Living in a Mining Area

Le résumé fourni par la source

ISEE-898 Objective: To determine the lead concentration in blood samples collected from children living in ancient mining area. Material and Methods: In this study the concentration of lead in the blood of the most vulnerable population was determined. Eighty blood samples obtained from 80 children (aged less than 15 years), being a representative sample of all the children living in this area, were analyzed using voltamperometry by anodic redisolution. The Mexican norm NOM-199-SSA1 defines 6 categories of contamination levels, for each category this norm also defines the course of action in terms of public health that must be followed. Results: From the study it was found that 45% of the minors were found in category I (<10 μg/dL), considered by the Mexican norm as normal and no action is recommended, 16.25% are in category II (10–14 μg/dL), 33.75% are in category III (15–25 μg/dL), and only 5% are in category IV (25–40 μg/dL). Conclusions: These results are relevant in terms of health impact because more than 50% of children in this town are contaminated. The probable cause of lead present in blood of the children is attributed to the high concentration of this metal in the soil, and to the hygiene habits in children.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.