A decade of lead monitoring in schoolchildren in the metropolitan area of Monterrey NL, Mexico.

Abstract

Objective. To establish the blood lead concentration and associated risk factors in schoolchildren during 1998 and 2008. Materials and methods. A blood lead screening was conducted in schoolchildren of 6-12 years of age, enrolled in 17 elementary schools of the metropolitan area of Monterrey, México, during 1998 and 2008. Results. The mean blood lead level were 9.6 ± 3.0 (μg/dL range of 3.18 to 20.88) in 1998 and 4.5±4.8 μg/dL (range of 3.3 to 53.7) showing a 2.1-times reduction in blood lead levels (p menor que 0.01). Conclusions. This reduction in blood lead levels demonstrate environmental and industrial control improvements and the benefits of fading out the leaded gasoline during the 1990´s.

Keywords

• plomo
• monitoreo del ambiente
• estudiantes
• México