Environmental exposure to cadmium and lead in the pediatric age group

Lead additives in automotive fuel, smog from a nearby industrial center warranted an investigation on cadmium and lead in Manisa, a city of tabacco processing. Hundred and one children were screened in view of lead and cadmium exposure. In 23 children between the ages of 0-2 years the mean (±SEM) serum lead level was 7.15 ± 0.10 μg/dl, in 28 between the ages of 3-6 years was 7.20 ± 0.10 μg/dl and in 50 between the ages of 7-15 years was 7.20 ± 0.10 μg/dl, respectively, with no significant differences. Serum cadmium levels in the same groups of children was 0.066 ± 0.008 ng/ml, 0.078 ± 0.008 ng/ml 0.088 ± 0.006 ng/ml, respectively. The difference in cadmium levels between the age groups of 0-2 years and 7-15 years was significant (p