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Blood lead levels and growth status of children
Author(s) -
Little B. B.,
Snell L. M.,
Johnston W. L.,
Knoll K. A.,
Buschang P. H.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.1310020308
Subject(s) - head circumference , medicine , blood lead level , pica (typography) , pediatrics , physiology , zoology , lead exposure , biology , birth weight , cats , genetics , world wide web , pregnancy , computer science
Several studies have shown that elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in children are associated with decreased growth. Among 139 children aged 1 to 10 years (66 male, 73 female) who attended a Pb clinic in Dallas, Texas, growth was decreased by 1.6 cm in height, 1.4 kg in weight, and 0.6 cm in head circumference for each 10 μg/dl increase in blood Pb. Consistent with previously reported effects of Pb, several clinical symptoms (hearing deficit, dental problems, hyperactivity) were increased in frequency among children with high blood Pb levels (X̄ Pb = 34.6 μg/dl ± 5.6) compared to the children in the low Pb level group (X̄ Pb = 11.9 μg/dl ± 3.3). Interestingly, pica was significantly increased in frequency among children in the high Pb group, indicating oral consumption of non‐food matter was a major source of Pb intoxication. These results suggest that increased Pb level is an important risk factor for growth deficits in children.