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Lead Exposure and Associated Risk Factors among New Migrant Children Arriving in Greece

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  • Marsela Tanaka

    (Pediatric Clinic, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Thivon & Levadeias str., Athens 11527, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Petsios

    (Department of Nursing Research, Onassis Cardiosurgical Center, 356 Sygrou Avenue, Athens 17674, Greece)

  • Stavroula K. Dikalioti

    (Pediatric Clinic, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Thivon & Levadeias str., Athens 11527, Greece)

  • Stavroula Poulopoulou

    (Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economy & Business, 76 Patission str., Athens 10434, Greece)

  • Vassiliki Matziou

    (Pediatric Clinic, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Thivon & Levadeias str., Athens 11527, Greece)

  • Stamatios Theocharis

    (Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias str., Athens 11527, Greece)

  • Ioanna D. Pavlopoulou

    (Pediatric Clinic, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Thivon & Levadeias str., Athens 11527, Greece)

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess lead exposure and associated risk factors among newly arrived migrant (M) (immigrant and refugees) children in Greece and a matched control of native (N) children. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary children’s hospital. Results: From 2010 to 2014, 598 children (M/N: 349/249) with a mean age of 6.96 years old (range 1–14, SD 3.76) were enrolled. Blood lead levels (BLLs) ranged from 0.7 to 21 μg/dL in migrant and from 0.4 to 10 μg/dL in native Greek children. Elevated BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL were detected in 27.7% of migrants and 1.2% of natives ( p < 0.001). A significant association was found between EBLLs and childrens’ age (≤5 years) (OR: 1.8, p -value 0.02) and EBLLs with Asian origin (OR: 3.63, p -value 0.023). Conclusion: New migrant children presented with increased BLLs when compared to their age- and sex-matched controls. Younger age and Asian origin were significant risk factors associated with elevated BLLs among children. Early screening, secondary prevention, and regular follow-up could prove useful in this vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Marsela Tanaka & Konstantinos Petsios & Stavroula K. Dikalioti & Stavroula Poulopoulou & Vassiliki Matziou & Stamatios Theocharis & Ioanna D. Pavlopoulou, 2018. "Lead Exposure and Associated Risk Factors among New Migrant Children Arriving in Greece," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:6:p:1057-:d:148605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Amal K. Mitra & Akhlaque Haque & Manirul Islam & S. A. M. K. Bashar, 2009. "Lead Poisoning: An Alarming Public Health Problem in Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, January.
    4. Anne Etchevers & Philippe Glorennec & Yann Le Strat & Camille Lecoffre & Philippe Bretin & Alain Le Tertre, 2015. "Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children: Assessment of Criteria and a Proposal for New Ones in France," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-13, December.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Katrin Glatz Brubakk & Elin Lovise Folven Gjengedal & Øyvind Enger & Kam Sripada, 2022. "Ammunition Waste Pollution and Preliminary Assessment of Risks to Child Health from Toxic Metals at the Greek Refugee Camp Mavrovouni," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-12, August.

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