Blood lead (Pb) levels in informal foundry workers making cookware from scrap metal

Abstract

Metal exposure remains a significant public health problem, particularly in the informal sector. Recycling of scrap metal into artisanal cookware is widespread in poorly resourced countries. The rise in informal foundries to cast scrap metal into artisanal cookware is widespread in low- and middle-income countries. The main aim of this study was to characterize metal exposure in artisanal cookware makers working in informal foundries in South Africa by measuring lead (Pb) in blood as well as sample metal concentrations on hands before and after work. The blood Pb distribution of the artisanal pot makers ranged from 1.1 to 4.6 µg/dl with the median blood Pb level being 2.1 µg/dl (IQR 1.7 - 2.5). The median blood Pb level in artisanal pot makers was 1.0 µg/dl higher compared with the community (p<0.0001). Before-and-after handwipe sampling revealed a median increase in all 22 elements. Pre and post aluminum (Al) load on the handwipes revealed a 7.3 factor increase (0.53 and 3.9 mg Al / handwipe respectively) (p=0.003). Hand Pb load before and after pot making revealed a 3.5-fold increase (median increase of 6.2 µg Pb / handwipe). An increase in backyard informal foundries is intricately linked to increased exposure to toxic metals for workers, family members and communities. This study has highlighted potential toxic metal exposure issues from foundry to fork in relation to artisanal cookware crafted from waste metal.