lead exposures in children: North Lake Macquarie, Australia, 1991–2002
Author: Willmore Alan ; Sladden Tim ; Bates Lucy ; Dalton Craig
Abstract:
Abstract
Background
To determine patterns of childhood lead exposure in a community living
near a lead and zinc smelter in North Lake Macquarie, Australia between
1991 and 2002.
Methods
An analysis of serial blood lead levels (BLL) of children less than 13
years of age in North Lake Macquarie participating in voluntary blood
lead screening. Distance to the smelter and soil lead concentration of
the child's place of residence was calculated. Categorical analysis of
BLL by residential distance from smelter, residential soil lead
concentration, age and year of sample was calculated. Linear regression
models were fit for blood lead levels against residential distance from
smelter, the log of residential soil lead concentration, age and year of
BLL sample.
Results
Geometric mean BLLs were statistically significantly higher for
distances less than 1.5 kilometres from the smelter and for residential
soil lead concentrations greater than 300 ppm. Yearly BLLs since 1995
were statistically significantly lower than for preceding years, with an
average decrease of 0.575 μg/dL per year since 1991. BLLs are
statistically significantly higher for children whose age is 1 to 3
years old. Linear regression modelling of BLL predicted a statistically
significant decrease in BLL of 3.0831 μg/dL per kilometre from the
smelter and a statistically significant increase in BLL of 0.25 μg/dL
per log of lead in residential soil. The model explained 28.2% of the
variation in BLL.
Conclusion
Residential distance to the smelter, log of residential soil lead
concentration, child's age and year of BLL sample are statistically
significant factors for predicting elevated BLLs in children living near
a North Lake Macquarie lead smelter.
Journal: International Journal of Health Geographics
Issn: 1476072X
EIssn:
Year: 2006
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
pages/rec.No: 30
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