Blood lead levels in primary school children in Trinidad and Tobago

This study is the first national baseline survey of blood lead levels (BLLs) conducted on primary school children (ages 5-7 years) in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 1761 students from 61 schools participated in the study over a 3-month period. Measurements of capillary BLLs were assessed as well as responses to a risk assessment questionnaire. BLLs ranged from < 1 μg/dL to 28.6 μg/dL with a geometric mean of 2.8 μg/dL, which compared favourably with results from the U.S. 1991-94 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Fifteen (0.9%) children had a BLL ≥ 10 μg/dL (10.8-28.6 μg/dL) of which three (0.2%) met the U.S. criteria for lead poisoning (BLL ≥ 20 μg/dL). Further environmental investigations are required to identify source(s) of lead exposure in cases with high BLL.