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Petrol lead in a small island environment
1Department of Toxicology, Malta Medical School, Gwardamangia, Malta, Tel.: 0356 223 035/221 019/239 783; Fax: 0356 235 638.
The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
|March 21, 2013
Summary
Maltese children exhibit high blood lead levels, linked to environmental factors like urban living and traffic density. Dust and hand-wipe samples confirm lead exposure correlates with proximity to high-traffic areas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maltese populations consistently show elevated mean blood lead levels across all age groups.
- Previous research indicates widespread lead exposure in Malta, necessitating further investigation into specific demographics and environmental links.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm elevated blood lead levels in Maltese children.
- To investigate the correlation between blood lead levels and environmental factors, specifically urbanization and traffic density.
- To assess lead contamination in dust and on children's hands in relation to traffic density.
Main Methods:
- Blood lead level analysis in Maltese children.
- Environmental sampling including hand-wipe specimens, playground dust, street dust, and household dust.
- Statistical correlation analysis between blood lead levels, environmental factors, and traffic density.
Main Results:
- Maltese children have high mean blood lead levels.
- A statistically significant correlation exists between higher blood lead levels and living on the more urbanized island.
- Lead contamination in hand-wipe specimens and dust samples from playgrounds, streets, and households significantly correlates with local traffic density.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors, particularly those associated with urbanized areas and traffic, are significant contributors to elevated blood lead levels in Maltese children.
- Lead exposure in children is demonstrably linked to environmental contamination, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
- Reducing traffic density and associated environmental lead contamination is crucial for mitigating lead exposure in vulnerable pediatric populations in Malta.
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