Blood lead level and related factors in children from 2 kindergartens in Chongqing

Objective To investigate the blood lead level and its related factors in children in Chongqing and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of lead contamination. Methods In June 2001, the blood lead levels in 173 children(aged 2～7 2 years old) selected from 2 kindergartens representing the children in urban district and suburb were detected. At the same time, the related factors were investigated by using questionnaires. Results The highest, the lowest and the mean blood lead levels were 270 μg/L, 18 μg/L and 77 73 μg/L, respectively. The blood lead level of 23 70% children investigated surpassed 100 μg/L(the international diagnostic criterion of lead poisoning in children). Significant regional difference in blood lead level was found. The mean blood lead levels in children in Yuzhong District and Dadukou District were 111 23 μg/L and 57 57 μg/L, respectively. The percentages of children in the two districts with blood lead levels higher than 100 μg/L were 52 31% and 6 48%, respectively. Blood lead level was closely correlated with the dwelling condition, the dwelling location where factories were nearby or the number of factories was large, health habits, the frequency of eating canned food and popcorn, and culture levels of the mothers. Conclusion Blood lead level of children in the urban distict is significantly higher than that in the suburb, to which more attention should be paid.