ABSTRACT

Lead is a health threatening toxic substance related to increase of urbanization and industrialization with out enough preventive measures in developing countries. Children are more sensitive than adults to chronic lead poisoning. Even low blood concentrations may cause negative effects on children's mental and physical development. There are few researches made to detect blood lead levels in children in Turkey. This research was held in 587 children to detect blood lead levels in Ankara, in 5 different settlement areas of central localization (Anıttepe, and Etlik), or where intercity traffic is very dense (Oran, Etimesgut, Çiğiltepe). The mean level of lead was found as 3.67 ± 3.88 μg/dl. There was not a significant difference between boys and girls, but the mean blood lead level in children in 11-16 age group was 5.40 ± 3.62 μg/dl, significantly higher than that of the other age groups. The mean lead level in Oran region was 5.00 ± 4.78 μg/dl and significantly higher than that of the other regions. The mean lead level in Etlik was 1.10 ± 1.15 μg/dl and significantly lower than that of the other groups. The mean blood lead levels in Oran and Etimesgut were found to be increasing as the time of residence in these areas was extended. It is necessary to search the lead sources in these two areas, educate the families, take necessary preventive measures, and measure the blood lead levels periodically.