Objectives: Children are more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity than adults. The purpose of this study wasto evaluate heavy metal concentrations in the blood of Korean preschoolers and investigate the associationbetween metals in blood and related factors.
Methods: A total of 512 subjects from 36 to 83 months of age were sampled. A questionnaire survey wasperformed and the levels of lead, mercury and cadmium were measured in the blood samples of allsubjects. Their parents were interviewed in order to obtain information on basic characteristics, dietarypatterns, socio-economic factors, and indoor/outdoor environment of the preschoolers. Multiple linearregression was used to analyze the association between the above factors and lead, mercury or cadmiumconcentrations.
Results: The geometric mean concentrations of lead, mercury and cadmium in the blood were 1.45±1.58 μg/dL,2.14±1.74 μg/L and 0.23±1.91 μg/L, respectively. Results from multiple linear regression analysis showed thatblood lead levels were associated with birth weight and paternal smoking status. Daily mercury intake from foodand maternal education were also shown to influence mercury concentrations in blood. Also, blood cadmiumconcentrations were associated with maternal age and having a bus garage near the place of residence.
Conclusion: This study suggests that smoking status, dietary patterns and the environmental status near theresidence should be considered as important factors for preventable sources of heavy metal exposure inpreschoolers.Objectives: Children are more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity than adults. The purpose of this study wasto evaluate heavy metal concentrations in the blood of Korean preschoolers and investigate the associationbetween metals in blood and related factors.
Conclusion: This study suggests that smoking status, dietary patterns and the environmental status near theresidence should be considered as important factors for preventable sources of heavy metal exposure inpreschoolers.