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Publication: Prevalence of elevated blood lead in Nigerian children
Pfitzner, M.A. Thacher, T.D. Pettifor, J.M. Zoakah, A.I. Lawson, J.O. Fischer, P.R.
Pfitzner, M.A.
Thacher, T.D.
Pettifor, J.M.
Zoakah, A.I.
Lawson, J.O.
Fischer, P.R.
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Abstract
To determine the prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead levels in
young, urban Nigerian children.
Design A randomized cluster sample of children aged 6–35 months.
Setting Jos, a community in north central Nigeria.
Outcome
measurement Blood lead level.
Results Of 218 children evaluated, 70% of the children had blood lead levels in
excess of 10 μg/dL. Mean blood lead levels were 15.2 ± 1.4 μg/dL; median
blood lead concentration was 12.0 (range 1– > 60 μg/dL). Mean lead
concentrations were higher in those who professed the Islamic faith, used
eye cosmetics, lived near a battery smelter, or lived in a certain
geographical area. Pica was not associated with increased blood lead
concentrations. Forward stepwise regression analysis revealed religion, area
of residence, and proximity to a battery smelter as the variables which jointly
predicted increased blood lead concentrations.
Conclusion A majority of the studied children in Jos, Nigeria have lead levels placing
them at risk for intellectual impairment. The cause of lead intoxication
appears to be multifactoral. Further studies should investigate the causality
of these associations prior to the implementation of a primary preventive
public health measure.
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Date
2000
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Keywords
children,environmental health,lead toxicity,Nigeria
Citation
Pfitzner MA( 1,7 ), Thacher TD( 2 ), Pettifor JM( 3 ), Zoakah AI( 4 ), Lawson JO( 5 ), Fischer PR( 6 ). Prevalence of elevated blood lead in Nigerian children. Ambulatory Child Health