Factors Associated With High Blood Lead Levels in a Sample of 100 Children in Tehran

BACKGROUND: Lead is considered a neurotoxic agent. We aimed to evaluate the blood lead level (BLL) in young population and determine probable risk factors of lead exposure in Iran. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 100 children were entered and their BLLs were checked. RESULTS: In all, 25 and 8 patients had BLLs above 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. There was a significant univariate correlation between BLL and place of living, water pipe type, using dairy products, and stature in both cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL. Binary regression analysis showed that pipe type was associated with high BLLs at cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. Also, there was an association between 50th percentile of stature for age and cut-off of 5 µg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BLLs may be seen in short stature pediatric population. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene water pipes may even cause more release of lead and result in higher absorption of this metal in the pediatric population.