title: Blood lead levels in a group of children: the potential risk factors and health problems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate blood lead levels in schoolchildren in two areas of Egypt to understand the current lead pollution exposure and its risk factors, aiming to improve prevention politicies.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional study in children (n=400) aged 6-12 years recruited from two areas in Egypt (industrial and urban). Blood lead levels were measured using an atomic absorption method. Detailed questionnaires on sources of lead exposure and history of school performance and any behavioral changes were obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean blood lead level in the urban area of Egypt (Dokki) was 5.45±3.90μg/dL, while that in the industrial area (Helwan) was 10.37±7.94μg/dL, with a statistically significant difference between both areas (p<0.05). In Dokki, 20% of the studied group had blood lead levels≥10μg/dL, versus 42% of those in Helwan. A significant association was found between children with abnormal behavior and those with pallor with blood lead level≥10μg/dL, when compared with those with blood lead level<10μg/dL (p<0.05). Those living in Helwan area, those with bad health habits, and those living in housing with increased exposure were at a statistically significantly higher risk of having blood lead level≥10μg/dL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lead remains a public health problem in Egypt. High blood lead levels were significantly associated with bad health habits and housing with increased exposure, as well as abnormal behavior and pallor.
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre, Child Health Department, Cairo, Egypt. Electronic address: monesshady@ymail.com.
authors.forename: Mones M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: AbuShady
authors.affiliation: Atomic Energy Authority, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Health Radiation Research Department, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Hanan A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Fathy
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre, Child Health Department, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Gihan A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Fathy
authors.affiliation: Atomic Energy Authority, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Health Radiation Research Department, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Samer Abd El
authors.initials: SAE
authors.lastname: Fatah
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre, Child Health Department, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Alaa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre, Child Health Department, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Abbas
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D007854:Lead
keywords: Abnormal behavior; Baixa estatura; Blood lead levels; Children; Comportamento anormal; Crianças; Egito; Egypt; Exposição ao chumbo; Lead exposure; Níveis de chumbo no sangue; Short stature