Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Lead exists widely in the environment, and it is a heavy metal element with neurotoxic effects. In contrast to trace elements such as iron and zinc, lead has no know beneficial effects in the human body.The present study was conducted to assess blood lead level in children. Materials & Methods:76 childrenage ranged 1- 12 years of lead poisoningof both genders. were included. Symptom such as pallor, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation or anorexia, deteriorating school performance, and recently acquired irritability or hyperactive behaviour was recorded. Lead level was estimated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer with microwave digestion system. Results: Out of 76, boys were 46 and girls were 30. Time since last paint less than 5 years showed 26 had normal and 20 had elevated, 5-10 years had 6 normal and 14 elevated and >10 years had 2 normal and 8 elevated blood lead level. Children attributes such as thumb sucking seen in 2, pica in 3, absence of hand washing in 8, pets in 4, coloured toys in 16, not school going in 4, use of Kohl in 3 and herbal medications in 2 had high blood lead level. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Children had high blood lead level. Lead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure.