Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The concentration of lead in the environment has increased, and lead pollution has become a serious problem. The present study was conducted to assess blood lead level in children. Materials & Methods: 80 children age ranged 1- 14 years of lead poisoning of both genders were included. Lead level was estimated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer with microwave digestion system. Results: 1-5 years had 10 boys and 11 girls, 6-10 years had 11 boys and 14 girls and 11-14 years had 14 boys and 20 girls. Time since last paint less than 5 years showed 24 had normal and 25 had elevated, 5-10 years had 6 normal and 14 elevated and >10 years had 5 normal and 6 elevated blood lead level. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Children attributes such as pets in 6, coloured toys in 16, not school going in 4, thumb sucking seen in 2, pica in 3, absence of hand washing in 7, use of Kohl in 3 and herbal medications in 4 had high blood lead level. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Children had high blood lead level. Coloured toys are potential source of lead exposure.