RESUMO
The present study was designed to study the health risks among children living at brick kiln industries. A survey was conducted, questionnaires were filled out, and demographic data was collected from Punjab, Pakistan. Heavy metals burden and BMI were calculated, hematological and enzyme analysis, comet assay and hormonal ELISA were performed. The results showed decreased BMI, RBC count and hematocrit in the exposed group. Nickel, cadmium, zinc and chromium concentrations in whole blood were detected among exposed children. Antioxidant enzymes and growth hormone concentration decreased, while reactive oxygen species and cortisol level increased in the exposed group. The comet assay findings showed decreased percentage DNA in the head and increased in the tail region among exposed group. It was concluded that children living at brick kiln sites experienced decreased BMI, altered antioxidant enzymes status and hormone levels and cellular DNA damage that pose a major threat on child health.