BLOOD LEAD LEVELS OF CHILDREN IN ISTANBUL WHO WORK AT HIGH RISK JOBS

Objective: Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable health problems today. Children are particularly susceptible to the toxic effect of lead. New data indicate significant adverse effects of lead exposure in children at blood levels previously believed to be safe. The majority of poisoned children show no signs and therefore remain undiagnosed and untreated. The aim of the study is to obtain data concerning the extent to which Turkish children are exposed to lead poisoning.Methods: One hundred and twenty children who work in the auto repair centers were recruited for the study group. One hundred and twenty subjects who applied to Marmara University Hospital outpatient clinics with upper respiratory complaints made up the control group.Results: The blood lead level of children who work in the car repair centers was 32.25±10.89 pg/dL, whereas this level was 22.95±6.69 pg/dL in the control group. This difference in the blood lead level was statistically significant (p<0.0001).Conclusion: It is suggested that lead exposure may be a serious problem in Istanbul. Considering the fact that even the control groupdemonstrated high blood lead level above the 'accepted level', larger studies including more subjects are needed in order to verify these results. We believe that the public should be informed of this important issue and preventive measures should be taken.Key Words: Lead intoxication, Public heath, Environment, Children.