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Identifying Sources of Lead Exposure for Children in the Republic of Georgia, with Lead Isotope Ratios
Giovanni S Leonardi1,2, Ekaterine Ruadze3,4, Ayoub Saei5
1UK Health Security Agency, Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0RQ, UK.
Insights
Lead isotope ratios identified spices, tea, and paint as primary lead exposure sources for children in Georgia. This research helps prioritize interventions to reduce children's blood lead concentrations (BLC).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- A 2018 survey in Georgia revealed over 40% of children (2-7 years) had elevated blood lead concentrations (BLC > 5 µg/dL).
- Identifying specific lead (Pb) exposure sources is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using lead isotope ratios (LIRs) to pinpoint and rank lead exposure sources in Georgian children.
- To provide data for targeted interventions to mitigate childhood lead poisoning.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 36 children with BLCs > 5 µg/dL was conducted in Georgia (Nov 2019-Feb 2020).
- Blood and 528 environmental samples were collected, alongside behavioral and exposure questionnaires.
- Lead isotope ratios (LIRs) in blood and environmental samples were analyzed to identify exposure source clusters.
Main Results:
- Statistical modeling of LIRs indicated that blood samples clustered with spices, tea, and paint.
- Sand, dust, and soil were isotopically distinct from blood, followed by milk, toys, pens, flour, and water.
- LIR analysis successfully indicated and ranked the importance of environmental lead sources contributing to children's BLCs.
Conclusions:
- Lead isotope ratios are a feasible method for identifying and ranking lead exposure sources in children.
- Spices, tea, and paint emerged as priority sources requiring intervention in Georgia.
- Findings support targeted public health strategies to reduce childhood lead exposure.
Abstract:
In the Republic of Georgia, a 2018 national survey estimated that more than 40% of children aged 2-7 years had a blood lead concentration (BLC) of more than 5 µg/dL. The objective of this study was to document the feasibility of employing lead isotope ratios (LIRs) to identify and rank the Pb (lead) exposure sources most relevant to children across Georgia. A cross-sectional survey between November 2019 and February 2020 of 36 children previously identified as having BLCs > 5 µg/dL from seven regions of Georgia involved the collection of blood and 528 environmental samples, a questionnaire on behaviours and potential exposures. The LIRs in blood and environmental samples were analysed in individual children and across the whole group to ascertain clustering. A fitted statistical mixed-effect model to LIR data first found that the blood samples clustered with spices, tea, and paint, then, further isotopically distinct from blood were sand, dust, and soil, and lastly, milk, toys, pens, flour, and water. Analysis of the LIRs provided an indication and ranking of the importance of Pb environmental sources as explanatory factors of BLCs across the group of children. The findings support the deployment of interventions aimed at managing the priority sources of exposure in this population.
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