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Environmental and occupational exposure to lead
G K Njoroge1, E N M Njagi, G O Orinda
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723, Nairobi, Kenya.
East African Medical Journal
|September 27, 2008
Summary
Environmental and occupational lead exposure is high in Nairobi, Kenya. Urgent interventions are needed as 25% of the general public and 89% of workers exceed safe blood lead levels (BLLs).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead (Pb) exposure poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.
- Assessing current lead exposure levels is crucial for public health interventions.
- Nairobi, Kenya, has specific areas with potential for environmental and occupational lead contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the status of environmental and occupational lead exposure in selected areas of Nairobi, Kenya.
- To compare lead exposure levels in Nairobi with a control area (Olkalou).
- To identify the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in different population groups.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kariobangi North, Babadogo, Waithaka, and Pumwani for environmental exposure, and Ziwani Jua Kali for occupational exposure.
- Olkalou in Nyandarua District served as a covariate study area for comparison.
- Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured in 308 participating children and adults.
Main Results:
- Blood lead levels (BLLs) ranged from 0.4 to 65 microg/dl. 25% of the total sample had BLLs above 10 microg/dl.
- In Nairobi, 15.3% of subjects in environmental exposure areas exceeded the WHO/CDC action level of 10 microg/dl.
- The mean BLL for occupationally exposed workers was 22.6 +/- 13.4 microg/dl, with 89% exceeding 10 microg/dl. The Olkalou group had a mean BLL of 1.3 +/- 0.9 microg/dl.
Conclusions:
- Environmental lead exposure is prevalent in Nairobi, contrasting with the non-exposure reported in Olkalou.
- Occupational lead exposure in Nairobi is at alarming levels, necessitating immediate intervention.
- Public health strategies are required to mitigate lead exposure risks in both environmental and occupational settings in Nairobi.
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