Cord blood lead screening in Lebanon: findings from the environmental exposures in Lebanese infants (EELI) study.

Abstract

This study aims to assess cord blood levels among pregnant women in Lebanon as part of the EELI study. Seventy-five umbilical cord blood samples collected from 2021 to 2022 were analyzed for lead content. Bivariate and multivariate tests were conducted to explore associations and identify predictors of elevated lead levels. The median lead concentration in cord blood was 0.545 μg/dL (range: 0.238 - 5.44 μg/dL). Higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and active smoking during pregnancy were associated with elevated lead levels (OR = 2.94, p = 0.005; OR = 14.94, p = 0.035). Surprisingly, proximity to construction sites was associated with lower lead levels (OR = 0.13, p = 0.037), possibly due to safer, modern infrastructure in newly developed areas with reduced legacy contamination. The findings indicate the need for continuous monitoring and public health interventions. While the sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, this pilot study offers important preliminary insights and underscores the need for large-scale screening, and awareness-raising campaigns.