Keywords
Lead Poisoning
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Child
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: lead, recognized as a major pollutant by the World Health Organization (WHO), poses a significant threat to pediatric health, particularly through its adverse impact on neurodevelopment, resulting in severe, long-lasting consequences and substantial social costs. Analyzing this issue is essential to inform and positively shape public health policies.
Objectives: to determine blood lead levels (BLL) in children aged 12 to 42 months with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders, investigate sources of exposure, perform a standardized clinical neurodevelopmental evaluation, and establish the relationship between BLLs and neurodevelopmental profiles.
Methodology: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study incorporating an environmental clinical history, neurological examination, administration of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III), and blood lead level determination via fingerstick capillary sampling using the LeadCare point-of-care system.
Results: a total of 47 patients were included, with a mean age of 30 months. The primary diagnoses were autism spectrum disorder (50%) and language disorders (34%), among others. Sixty percent of BLLs were <5 μg/dL. The main exposure sources identified were soil, open burning, neighborhood contamination, and onychophagia. The latter two factors were significantly associated with higher BLLs. An occupational or household connection to metallurgy and pica behavior were associated with lower cognitive and language scores on the Bayley-III. A longer duration of schooling was associated with lower blood lead levels.
Conclusions: our study demonstrates that 62% of children have detectable blood lead levels, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures. Early schooling may act as a protective factor. Onychophagia and awareness/reports of neighborhood lead contamination represent significant exposure sources. We recommend expanding research and implementing public policies to safeguard child development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aroldo Morón, Laura Aguilar, Valeria Fraga, María José Moll, Santiago Mansilla, Darío Pose, Victoria Ruiz, Amalia Laborde, Gabriel González