Relationships between blood lead concentrations, intelligence, and academic achievement of Saudi Arabian schoolgirls.

This cross-sectional study examined the association between blood lead levels and neuropsychological and behavioural problems of 533 schoolgirls (6-12 years of age) who attended public schools in Riyadh, Capital of Saudi Arabia. Regression models were used to determine the best predictors of Beery VMI Saudi-based standard scores, TONI Saudi-based scores and rank percentile. The mean blood lead level was 8.

Determinants of blood lead levels in Saudi Arabian schoolgirls.

Blood lead levels were measured in 538 girls aged 6 to 12 years who attended primary public schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Of the 538 screened children, 24.4% had blood lead levels > or =10 microg/dL, the Centers for Disease Control's level of concern.