High concentration of blood lead levels among young children in Bagega community, Zamfara – Nigeria and the potential risk factor

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In May 2010, lead poisoning (LP) was confirmed among children 10ug/dL as elevated BLL, and BLL ?45ug/dL as the criterion for chelation therapy. We defined soil lead levels (SLL) of ?400 parts per million (ppm) as elevated SLL. RESULTS: The median age of U5 was 36 months (Inter-quartile range: 17-48 months). The median BLL was 71g/dL (range: 8-332g/dL). Of the 185 U5, 184 (99.5%) had elevated BLL, 169 (91.4%) met criterion for CT. The median SLL in tested households (n=37) of U5 was 1,237ppm (range: 53-45,270ppm). Households breaking ore rocks within the compound were associated with convulsion related-children's death (OR: 5.80, 95% CI: 1.08 - 27.85). CONCLUSION: here was an LP outbreak in U5 in Bagega community possibly due to heavy contamination of the environment as a result of increased ore processing activities. Community-driven remediation activities are ongoing. We recommended support for sustained environmental remediation, health education, intensified surveillance, and case management.