The Sources and Risk Factors of Lead Expozure in Children of Adjara Region of Georgia

The purpose of our study was to evaluate blood lead level, to determine the main sources of lead exposure in children living in the Adjara region and to identify priority risk factors of high blood lead level. 90 children aged 3-14 years participated in the one-time, cross-sectional study. 61% of studied children had an increase lead concentration in venous blood. The mean lead concentration was 17,25±7,73 μg/dL (median 16.82 μg/dL). The comparative analysis revealed that the probable risk factors of lead exposure in the Adjara region can be attributed to the old house (OR-7,556, CI-2,52-22,60, P-0.000), old renovation (OR-7,884, CI-2, 06-30,08, P-0.001), putting things into mouth and pica (OR–2,791, CI–1,06-7,28, P–0.034). In terms of food high lead levels in blood is associated with frequent consumption of spices (OR-7,556, CI-2,52-22,60, P-0,000), potatoes (OR-9,750, CI-1,13-83,76, P-0,014) and imported confectionery food (OR–3,054, CI–1,11-8.33, P–0,027). So, it is very important to follow the recommendations of CDC for conducting regular screenings of lead level in children for timely identification of lead exposure, for implementation of prevention strategy and adequate management to minimize problems associated with lead exposure.