Blood Lead Levels in Children Aged 6–59 Months Attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Lead, a metal widely used across many industries, including construction, electricity, and fashion, is a heavy metal of public health significance. Exposure to lead can affect normal growth and development in children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study determined blood lead levels of 363 children aged 6- 59 months seen at the Children Outpatients Clinic of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti. Children with chronic illness and severe acute malnutrition were excluded. Venous blood was analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: BLL ranged between 0.1 µg/dl and 22.8 µg/dl. The median (IQR) BLL was 5.10 (1.80-8.63) µg/dl. Blood lead levels were higher among males than among females (p = 0.82). Overall, 48.3% had blood lead levels below 5 µg/dl, and 183 (51.7%) had levels above 5 µg/dl. One subject (0.3%) had a value above 20 µg/dl. Age, gender, and socioeconomic class did not significantly affect BLL (p = 0.94, 0.82, and 0.63, respectively). Use of toys with peeled paint, residence close to the highway and storage of water in plastic containers were associated with elevated lead levels.

Conclusion: The majority (51.8%) of children in the locality of study have elevated BLL. There is a need to increase awareness of environmental lead contamination and the dangers of lead exposure. Health promotion should also focus on measures to reduce lead exposure.