Prevalence of elevated blood lead level in children with global developmental delay and its relation with parental and child attributes

Background: Lead, a potential neurotoxin, is found in soil, water and air as a result of its non-biodegradable nature. Common sources of lead toxicity in children are household paints, leaded pipes for water supply, canned food, coloured toys, herbal/folk remedies and electronic wastes. Along with this, other child and parental attributes have been found to contribute to elevated blood lead level (EBLL). Objectives were to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of EBLL in children with global developmental delay (GDD). Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and October 2021 at department of paediatrics of JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh. Data regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics as well as parental attributes was collected and entered on pre-designed proforma. Results: Among 94 children with GDD mean BLL was found to be 6.72±6.46 mcg/dl and in their mothers it was 6.74±6.46 mcg/dl (p=0.984). A high prevalence of EBLL (>5 mcg/dl) in children with GDD (53.20%) and their mothers (49.3%) was noted. Various child and parental attributes were identified as potential sources of exposure to lead. Conclusions: A high prevalence of EBLL in children with GDD in our study area might also suggest higher exposure from environmental sources such as soil, water, electronic waste, lead acid batteries, etc. For countries like ours which is rapidly undergoing industrialisation, these potential sources need to be identified promptly and swift action in this regard is needed in addition to preventive measures at personal and family levels.