Abstract

SEIJAS, David  and  SQUILLANTE, Guido. Blood lead, nutritional state and socioeconomic status, in children of a community of Valencia. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2008, vol.21, n.1, pp.14-19. ISSN 0798-0752.

Lead is a versatile metal used since prehistoric times and has been distributed widely in the environment becoming a risk factor for human exposure. The present analytical-ecological study was performed in a sample size with a confidence of 95% and a maximal error of 10%; 60 children between 4 and 9 years of age belonging to Michelena sector in Valencia District in 2004. The objective was to relate blood level values to nutritional and socioeconomic status. Blood levels, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit values were determined and nutritional evaluation was performed. Mean Blood Lead in boys (11.1±3.1 μg/dL) was significantly higher in boys with regard to girls at a p<- 0.05 than in girls ( 9.5±2.7 μg/dL).Mean Blood Lead was 10.5±3 μg/dL. Girls showed a higher % of low nutritional status. Also in stratum IV, the highest prevalence was found. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit values were inside permissible limits. and levels of Lead were found at a non-critical level. It is suggested that activities of primary prevention should be carried out to diminish the levels of Blood Lead observed in children. An Venez Nutr 2008;21 (1): 14-19.

Keywords : Blood lead; lead intoxication; anthropometric evaluation; children; socioeconomic status.

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