Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child's later neurodevelopment. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Blood lead levels and cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) as predictors of late neurodevelopment in lead poisoned children.
Biomarkers. 2011 Aug 9. Epub 2011 Aug 9. PMID: 21827276
Purdue University, School of Health Sciences , West Lafayette, IN , USA.
Objective: To find the best lead exposure assessment marker for children. Methods: We recruited 11 children, calculated a cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) for the children, measured their concurrent BLL, assessed their development, and measured their bone lead level. Results: Nine of 11 children had clinically significant neurodevelopment problems. CBLI and current blood lead level, but not the peak lead level, were significantly or marginally negatively associated with the full-scale IQ score. Conclusion: Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child's later neurodevelopment. CBLI may be a better predictor of neurodevelopment than are current or peak blood lead levels.