This study aimed to investigate the relationship between varying levels of lead poisoning and social skills repertoire, frequency of behavior problems and academic competence in children and adolescents. Participants were 155 children and adolescents, with an average age of 13.10 years, who belonged to three groups: high blood lead levels (over 10μg/dl), low blood lead levels (less 5μg/dl) and children who lived in a similar, but lead-free environment (comparison group). We used the Social Skills Rating System - Brazilian version (SSRS-BR) and the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents (IHSA-Del-Prette) which were answered by the children and their teachers. Impairment in children's behavioral, academic and social repertoire was associated with blood lead levels. These results show the risks associated to lead exposure. Explanations are discussed for some contradictory results, rising hypotheses and questions for further studies.
Social skills; behavior problems; academic competence; lead poisoning