Blood lead levels and behaviour of 400 preschool children
McBride, W.G.; Black, B.P.; English, B.J.
Medical Journal of Australia 2(1): 26-29
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-729X PMID: 7110015 Document Number: 186322
A study of 400 Sydney [Australia] children of preschool age found a range of blood Pb levels from 0.1-1.4 .mu.mol/l (2-29 .mu.g/100 ml), with no children having readings above the currently accepted level of concern. Within the Sydney metropolitan area, a significant inverse relationship was found between blood Pb level and distance of the home from the city center. Within the range of blood Pb levels, no relationship appeared between blood Pb levels and performance in verbal intelligence test, 3 tests of motor ability and a parent rating. In 1 test of fine motor coordination, there was a tendency for children with lower Pb levels to perform better than those with moderate blood Pb levels. In 1 test of gross motor skill, the results for the 2 age groups were conflicting. Further studies of a prospective nature covering the period of maximum vulnerability (0-3 yr) are essential before any conclusion can be drawn about the effects of subclinical blood Pb levels.