Blood Lead Levels and Cognitive Function in Children Near a Cement Factory in Edo State

Lead exposure remains a significant environmental health concern in industrialised communities across Nigeria, particularly near cement factories and mining sites. This study measures blood lead levels and assesses cognitive function in school-age children residing within a 5-kilometre radius of a cement factory in Edo State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional comparative design was used, enrolling 150 children aged 6 to 12 years from the exposed community and 150 children of similar age and socioeconomic status from a control community without industrial activity. Blood lead levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cognitive function was assessed using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices adapted for the Nigerian context. Academic performance data were also obtained from school records with parental consent. Dust and soil samples from the study area were collected and analysed to characterise the environmental lead burden. The study tests the hypothesis that higher blood lead levels are inversely correlated with cognitive scores. Results will provide evidence for environmental health regulation and remediation in industrial communities within the South South geopolitical zone. Keywords: blood lead levels, cognitive function, lead toxicity, children, Edo State.