Resumo

JIMENEZ-GUTIERREZ, Carlos et al. Lead exposure in children from 6 to 12 years old. Salud pública Méx [online]. 1999, vol.41, suppl.2, pp. S72-S81. ISSN 0036-3634.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0036-36341999000800002.

Objective. To identify exposure factors contributing to lead poisoning in school children from Mexico City. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study of 340 children. A convenience sample of schools and a random sample of children were selected. A questionnaire was filled out and venous blood samples were taken. Lead levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis consisted of comparison of means using Student’s t test and ANOVA. Multiple linear regression was used for multivariate analysis. Logarithmic transformation of lead blood levels were used to account for their non-normal distribution. Results. Geometric means for private and public schools were: GM=8.76 µg/dl, 95% CI=9.1-10.5; GM=11.5 µg/dl, 95% CI=9.4-13.5. Lead levels were higher among children from public schools who are male, between 6 and 8 years of age, in first and second grade, whose mothers have a profession, who use glazed earthenware utensils, and who live near glazed earthenware shops or factories. Conclusions. Exposure predictors of lead blood levels are: being between 6 and 8 years of age, having a professional mother, using glazed earthenware utensils, living near glazed earthenware shops or factories, and studying the second grade of elementary school.

Palavras-chave : lead; environmental exposure; child; Mexico.