Blood lead levels in children aged 0-6 years old in Hunan Province, China from 2009-2013.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe blood lead levels (BLLs) and the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) in children aged 0-6 years old and to analyze the BLL trend in children from 2009 to 2013 in China. METHODS: A total of 124,376 children aged 0-6 years old were recruited for this study from January 1st 2009 to December 31st 2013. Their blood lead levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The median BLL was 64.3 μg/L (IQR: 49.6-81.0), and the range was 4.3-799.0 μg/L. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in boys (66.0 μg/L) than in girls (61.9 μg/L) (P<0.001). The overall prevalence of BLLs≥100 μg/L was 10.54% in children aged 0-6 years in Hunan Province. Between 2009 and 2013, the prevalence of EBLLs (≥100 μg/L) decreased from 18.31% to 4.26% in children aged 0-6 years and increased with age. The prevalence of EBLLs has dramatically decreased in two stages (2009-2010 and 2012-2013), with a slight fluctuation in 2010 and 2011. CONCLUSIONS: Both BLLs and the prevalence of EBLLs in children aged 0-6 years old declined substantially from 2009 to 2013 in Hunan Province; however, both remain at unacceptably high levels compared to developed countries. Comprehensive strategies are required to further reduce blood lead levels in children.