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.