This study was carried out in West Africa, in Senegal. It is a transversal epidemiological study comparing two populations, the exposed children living in urban areas (Dakar) and the non-exposed children living in rural areas (several villages in Khombole in the region of Thiès).

The use of leaded petrol needs to be review in this country like in other countries of the world to reduce the health effects. It is possible to produce petrol of high and desirable octane number without the use of lead tetraethyl, using appropriate technology.

Isolated studies on assessment of occupational exposure in which unexposed individuals were used as controls have largely been extrapolated to reflect levels in the general population. The data from such studies indicate that levels in the general Nigerian population are at least two to three fold levels found in countries that have either significantly reduced or totally eliminated lead in gasoline.

Cette étude a été réalisée en Afrique de l'Ouest, au Sénégal. Il s'agit d'une enquête épidémiologique transversale comparant deux populations, les exposés correspondant aux enfants vivant en milieu urbain (ville de Dakar ) et les non exposés correspondant aux enfants vivant en milieu rural ( plusieurs villages de Khombole dans la région de Thiès).