The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A cross sectional study to assess Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) among children in Basrah was carried out during July
2005. The study included children 1-6 years old attending three selected primary health care centres located at
different socioeconomic areas in Basrah (representing both rural and urban communities). Two of the health
centres are located in the city centre, one in a relatively high socioeconomic area (Al-Razi health centre) & the
second in low socioeconomic area (Al-Seef health centre). The third health centre included in the study is located in
Abul-Khasib district. The questionnaire method was used in collecting information regarding socioeconomic factors
that may be related to environmental exposure to lead, and a blood sample was taken from each child to measure the
blood lead level. The BLLs among children in this study ranged between 1 and 65 μg/dL (mean ± SD, 11.59 ± 9.1
μg/dL). Overall, 40.4% of children had elevated blood lead levels ≥10 mg/dL). The mean BLL was significantly higher
for children who live in rural or in urban low socioeconomic area than that for children living in urban high
socioeconomic area. Age above 2 years was significantly associated with elevated BLLs.