Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Availability of Lead, Low Academic Performance and Aggression in Students

• Grant number: 13/21429-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Nilson Antonio de Assunção
• Grantee: Letícia Fátima da Silva Tavares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project will be held the quantification of lead in students and a study of the effects of lead in neurotoxicological academic performance of adolescents between 11 and 15 years of the city of Diadema-SP. At work, the focus will be the neuro-cognitive system, where they will seek to verify the correlation of contents of lead present in students with school performance and aggressiveness. Will evaluate the provision of this heavy metal nails of teens with a history of low income and/or aggression. A control group of students from the city of Santana da Vargem-MG will also be reviewed, with the goal of comparing the academic performance and aggressiveness of these students to academic performance and students ' aggressiveness of Diadema and correlate this data to lead contamination. Lead is a heavy metal, biocumulativo and that affects the nervous system. Chronic exposure can result in irritability, headache, muscle tremor, hallucinations, loss of memory and ability to concentrate, paralysis and coma. So chronic exposure to lead can lead to behavioral changes and difficulties in learning in all periods of his life. Biological samples will be collected (nails) and the method for quantification and analytical quality control by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with graphite furnace will be adapted and used for the execution of the tests. Will also be applied socio-behavioural surveys acquired by the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) which are questionnaires validated and suitable for the needs of this study. Questionnaires are applied to students, parents of students and teachers of these students investigated, in order to correlate behavioral attitudes, academic performance and levels of lead contamination.