Related Experiment Videos
Factors associated with elevated blood lead concentrations in children in Karachi, Pakistan
Mohammad Hossein Rahbar1, Franklin White, Mubina Agboatwalla
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. mohammad.rahbar@ht.msu.edu
Insights
High blood lead levels in Karachi children are a public health concern, with 80% exceeding 10 µg/dl. Exposure sources include proximity to traffic, eye cosmetics, parental occupation, and hand-to-mouth behaviors, indicating a need for interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous reports indicated high blood lead concentrations in Karachi in 1989.
- Environmental lead exposure poses significant health risks, particularly to children's neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate blood lead concentrations in Karachi children.
- To identify key sources of lead exposure contributing to elevated levels in children.
Main Methods:
- A geographically stratified sample of 430 children (36-60 months) was recruited from diverse Karachi locations.
- Blood samples, food, water, and dust were analyzed; parental questionnaires assessed exposure variables.
Main Results:
- 80% of children had blood lead concentrations exceeding 10 µg/dl, with a mean of 15.6 µg/dl.
- Significant associations found between elevated blood lead and proximity to city center intersections, maternal surma use, paternal occupational lead exposure, parental illiteracy, and child's hand-to-mouth behavior.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in Karachi children is a serious public health issue, likely causing intellectual impairment.
- Findings necessitate urgent action from the petroleum industry regarding lead in gasoline and targeted interventions for other identified exposure factors.
Objectives:
To confirm whether blood lead concentrations in Karachi were as high as reported in 1989 and to identify which types of exposure to lead contribute most to elevated blood lead concentrations in children in Karachi.
Methods:
A total of 430 children aged 36-60 months were selected through a geographically stratified design from the city centre, two suburbs, a rural community and an island situated within the harbour at Karachi. Blood samples were collected from children and a pretested questionnaire was administered to assess the effect of various types of exposure. Cooked food, drinking-water and house dust samples were collected from households.
Findings:
About 80% of children had blood lead concentrations 10 g/dl, with an overall mean of 15.6 g/dl. At the 5% level of significance, houses nearer to the main intersection in the city centre, application of surma to children's eyes, father's exposure to lead at workplace, parents' illiteracy and child's habit of hand- to-mouth activity were among variables associated with elevated lead concentrations in blood.
Conclusion:
These findings are of public health concern, as most children in Karachi are likely to suffer some degree of intellectual impairment as a result of environmental lead exposure. We believe that there is enough evidence of the continuing problem of lead in petrol to prompt the petroleum industry to take action. The evidence also shows the need for appropriate interventions in reducing the burden due to other factors associated with this toxic element.