Prevalence of Blood Lead Level in Children Living in a Community Exposed by Lead Glazed Ceramics in Michoacan, Mexico

Abstract

ISEE-0079 Objective: There are many references worldwide on the sources, pathways, risks and health effects of lead exposure in people, and in particular, people who work with lead glazed ceramics. Exposure to several sources of lead is a widespread and serious threat to the health of the children of Michoacan. Our aim is to assess the blood lead levels in children from a community that has produced lead glazed ceramics for four centuries. Material and Methods: 92 children from Santa Fe de la Laguna were tested in October, 2003. The children ranged between the ages of one to 11, and all of them were from families that regularly worked with lead glazed pottery. With the parents’ written permission letter, we obtained capillary blood samples. The blood was then analyzed in the field with portable equipment, provided by the National Institute of Perinatology, from Mexico City. Results: All 92 children had measurable blood lead levels with a range of 6.40 to 65 micrograms per deciliter. The mean was 31.94 with standard deviation of 15.18 and a standard error of 1.59. 95% confidence interval for the mean was 28.78 to of 35.11. Conclusions: Mexican regulations allow levels of up to 10 micrograms per deciliter in children. Above this, there is an increased risk to health. Thus, the future of these children is uncertain. We hope to study more about susceptibility in ethnic groups with genetic polymorphisms to lead and treat with calcium, folic acid and others. We suggest to National Health authorities a strong policy and public health programme to reduce this problem. Disclaimer: These findings and conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of the official institution report.