Damaris Osunkwo
National Hospital, Nigeria
Title: Factors associated with elevated blood lead levels among exposed children in a Nigerian community
Biography
Biography: Damaris Osunkwo
Abstract
Background: In May 2015, an outbreak of lead poisoning (LP) was reported and confirmed in Unguwar Kawo (UK) and Unguwar Magiro (UM) villages, in Niger State. Information on demographic characteristics and household participation in artisanal gold ore-processing activities were collected. The height and weight of lead exposed children were assessed and their blood lead levels were characterized.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional house to house survey. Using structured interviewer-questionnaire, parental participation in gold-ore processes and other risk-factor activities were recorded. Height and weight of the U5 children were measured and blood samples were collected for analysis using lead care II. SPSS 18 and Epi-Info 7 were used for data analysis.
Results: A total of 116 children were surveyed ranging from 2 to 59 months. The mean age was 38.8±16 months and 41% were females. 72% were underweight; none was overweight. The mean BLL was 72.8±43 µg/dL and 74% had blood lead levels equal or above 45ug/dl. 88% of the parents participated in mining activities. Following linear regression, age correlated negatively with BLLs (OR= -0.22, p=0.014). Following logistic regression, children that were underweight (OR=5, p<0.01) and whose parents participated in mining (OR=22, p<0.01) were more likely to have BLLs ≥45 µg/dL.
Conclusions: Underweight younger children with parental participation in gold-ore processing activities had higher blood lead levels. Recommendations include environmental soil remediation, chelation therapy and safer mining practices.
Keywords: Lead poisoning, gold-ore, chelation therapy, soil remediation, safer mining.