DETERMINANTS OF BLOOD LEAD LEVELS AMONG C HILDREN 6 TO 30 MONTHS OLD - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN MEXICO-CITY

A majority of the sample Of Children (N = 160-121, ages 6-30 months) f rom the Mexico City Prospective Lead Study exceeds the lowest limit ac tion level (10 mug/dl) of the Centers for Disease Control standards fo r childhood lead exposure. Over one-third of the sample at 18 months a nd 24 months exceeds the action level (15 mug/dl) for aggressive inter vention. Diet plays an important role in regulating early childhood bl ood lead levels. Fresh milk and breast feeding are associated with low er lead levels, but extended breast feeding is related to elevated lea d levels. Low income and poor maternal education are associated with h igher lead concentration in children. Child consumption of canned milk and juice, up to this date, is associated with elevated child lead le vels. Canned products sealed with lead are disappearing from Mexican m arkets. Efforts to improve childhood nutrition and poverty may be expe cted to have the additional benefit of lowering lead levels of Mexican children.