Study on Lead Levels and Associated Risk Factors in Children Aged 5 to 12 Years in the City of Guayaquil (Lead in Children)

This applied research project addresses the issue of lead poisoning as a serious public health problem in Ecuador, focusing specifically on children aged 5 to 12 in Guayaquil. The main objective is to quantify blood lead levels using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) for sample selection and collection. The Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) will handle sample classification, analysis, and method validation. This research is considered novel due to its massive scope within the Ecuadorian population and is crucial for generating updated data to enable health authorities to implement evidence-based public health policies, aligning with WHO recommendations. A cross-sectional analytical design will be employed to associate lead levels with risk factors identified through detailed questionnaires. In addition to lead quantification, comprehensive clinical analyses (including complete blood count, thyroid profile, lipids, etc.) and bone radiological studies will be performed. The expected outcomes include quantifying the problem, identifying exposure sources, and generating preventive recommendations, thereby significantly impacting child health and the scientific community.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine blood lead levels using ICP-OES and associated risk factors in children aged 5 to 12 years attending consultations at the public pediatric hospital in the city of Guayaquil during the second half of 2024.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Chemistry applied to life sciences