Blood lead levels in primary school children in Trinidad and Tobago.
This study is the first national baseline survey of blood lead levels (BLLs) conducted on primary school children (ages 5-7 years) in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 1,761 students from 61 schools participated in the study over a 3-month period. Measurements of capillary BLLs were assessed as well as responses to a risk assessment questionnaire. BLLs ranged from <1 microg/dL to 28.6 microg/dL with a geometric mean of 2.8 microg/dL, which compared favourably with results from the U.S. 1991-94 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Fifteen (0.9%) children had a BLL>or=10 microg/dL (10.8-28.6 microg/dL) of which three (0.2%) met the U.S. criteria for lead poisoning (BLL>or=20 microg/dL). Further environmental investigations are required to identify source(s) of lead exposure in cases with high BLL.
Environmental Management Authority, 8 Elizabeth Street St Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Wayne Simon
WS
Rajkumar
Jay
J
Manohar
Rohit
R
Doon
Avril
A
Siung-Chang
Ivan
I
Chang-Yen
Michele
M
Monteil
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007854:Lead