Air Quality Criteria for Lead Volume II of II - (NEPIS)(EPA) - US ...

AX6-22
Table AX6-2.6 (cont’d). Effects of Lead on Disturbances in Behavior, Mood, and Social Conduct in Children
Reference, Study
Location, and Period Study Description Pb Measurement Findings, Interpretation
Australia
Silva et al. (1988)
New Zealand
As part of the 11-yr follow-up of the Dunedin
Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a
longitudinal study of a birth cohort of children born
in Dunedin’s only obstetric hospital, blood Pb levels
were measured in 579 children at age 11 yrs old.
The study sample was over-representative of higher
SES, but was found to be representative of Dunedin
children in educational attainment. Blood Pb levels
were examined in association with intelligence
assessed using the WISC-R and behavioral problems
as assessed by both parents and teachers.
Blood Pb at time of testing
Blood Pb at age 11 yrs 11.1
(SD 4.91, range 4-50) µg/dL
Log blood Pb levels were significantly correlated with most
measures of behavioral problems, including the Parents’ and
Teachers’ Rutter Behavioral Scale, the Parents’ and
Teachers’ Hyperactivity Scale, and the Teachers’ Inattention
Scale, after adjustment for various potential confounders. No
associations were observed between log blood Pb levels and
IQ. Authors concluded that exposure to Pb is associated with
increases in children’s’ general behavioral problems,
especially in inattention and hyperactivity.