Relation between Blood Lead Levels and Childhood Anemia

Background: Lead pollution is a major problem in developing countries. Childhood lead exposure is one of the most significant environmental health threats that affects children. In children, it is defined as a blood lead level equal to or greater than 10 µg/dl. Iron deficiency is a cause of hypochromic microcytic anemia, and also increases the absorption of elements like lead. Anemia in children leads to increased morbidity and mortality. This study was done to determine the relation of blood lead levels greater than 10 µg/dl with the anemia compared to levels less than 10 µg/dl. Material and methods: The conduct prospective observational study was conducted on 100 children. For each children haemoglobin, MCV, RDW and blood lead level were tested. 50 children with proven anemia and equal number of children without anemia were enrolled in the study and was analysed and their blood lead levels were tested. Results: Out of 100 children, 63 were male and 37 were female. The overall children mean age was 73.65 + 52.94 months, male mean age was 73.30 + 51.52 months & female mean age was 74.24 + 55.99 months. The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia by MCV is 64.2% and Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia by RDW is 58.8%. Conclusion: Prevalence of Iron Deficiency anemia by MCV and RDW was 64.2% and 58.8%. However there was a significant difference between the anemic and Non anemic group regarding MCV and RDW. According to the study, there is minimal lead exposure and no lead toxicity in this area.