Lead exposure from tourist earthenware: a pilot survey
Anders I Seldén1, Bernt E O Bergström, Lars-Gunnar Gunnarsson
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Orebro University Hospital, SE-701 85 Orebro, Sweden. anders.selden@orebroll.se
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Lead exposure from Greek earthenware is a potential risk. A pilot study found no widespread issue among Swedish tourists, though some cases linked high lead levels to specific tea mugs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lead from glazed earthenware poses a health hazard, causing lead intoxication and disseminating exposure.
- Glazed earthenware, particularly for food storage, is a known source of lead exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contemporary scope of lead exposure from Greek earthenware among Swedish tourists.
- To investigate the association between Hellenic earthenware use and blood lead levels in a pilot study.
Main Methods:
- A pilot survey of 2000 Swedish households with tourists to Greece in 2003.
- Blood samples collected from 33 potentially lead-exposed subjects and 33 controls.
- Comparison of blood lead levels between exposed subjects and control groups.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in mean blood lead levels between exposed and control groups.
- Two exposed subjects showed elevated blood lead levels (1.0 and 0.77 micromol/l) associated with Hellenic earthenware tea mugs.
- The study suggests earthenware from Greece is not a widespread source of lead for Swedish tourists.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study did not indicate widespread lead exposure from Greek earthenware among Swedish tourists.
- Limitations in statistical power preclude definitive conclusions regarding the overall risk.
- Further research is needed to fully ascertain the public health implications.
