Exposure to environmental lead and school performance in children of Antofagasta

Abstract

In a study carried out in Antofagasta, it was reported that blood lead level in children exposed to lead from a storage site was associated to a lower IQ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between blood lead concentration, school performance and the possibility of recurrence of course. The method used was the secondary analysis of data. To evaluate association linear regression models and logistic regression models were used. Highlights of the results obtained include the median blood lead level was 3.3 μg / dl (ICR 2.1 - 4.4). An inverse and significant association was observed with the mean of language (β = -0.06, 95%CI=-0.117 to -0.013), and with repeat course (OR = 1.24, 95% CI=1.014 to 1.533). In conclusion blood lead levels less than 5μg/dl are associated with effects on the academic performance.