Metal Detection in Biospecimens from Children of Waste Pickers

Lead contamination is an important public health issue, as contamination may result in multiple adverse health effects. Exposure in childhood is of particular concern because it can cause severe neurological and behavioral disorders. This research project aims to compare lead biomarkers in children of waste pickers living in the contaminated region of the Structural city, to children of non-waste pickers living in other areas of Brasilia. Additionally, teeth will be examined to identify dental issues including carious lesions, teeth undergoing exfoliation, and structural defects in enamel, and then correlated with physical and mental conditions.