Lead Concentrations in Serum Samples of Pediatric Group (Newborns) in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq: Implications for SDG 3

Abstract

Lead (Pb) exposure poses severe biological toxicological hazards to early human development through bioaccumulation in tissue and serum. This study investigates the biological risk and environmental pathways of lead concentrations in serum samples from a pediatric cohort (newborns) across the Al-Najaf governorate, Iraq, incorporating a medical geology framework to evaluate environmental exposure matrices. Serum Pb levels were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry across demographic variables, including gender, age, and body weight. The analysis revealed Pb concentrations ranging from 0.004 mg/L to 0.039 mg/L, with a mean concentration of 0.014 ± 0.004 mg/L. Statistical evaluation showed no significant gender-based differences (p > 0.05). However, a highly significant negative correlation (p ≤ 0.01) was identified between serum Pb levels and both age progression and average body weight. Although detected serum Pb concentrations were relatively low, the biological sensitivity of neonates dictates that these baseline levels represent potential sub-lethal environmental health risks. Integrating geological environmental mapping with biological biomonitoring provides essential baseline data to support early environmental health surveillance and evidence-based public health interventions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3