Environmental lead hazard in a high-risk Jamaican population

ABSTRACT

During the last decade there has been a rapid proliferation of lead smelters, particularly illegal backyard smelters in Jamaica which has increased the risk of lead poisoning to employees and those living in proximity to these operations. Blood samples from 351 persons working in or living near lead smelting factories were analyzed for lead levels. There were 116 children and 235 adults. The mean age of the children was 5.9 years and the mean period of exposure to environmental lead was 5.2 years. The mean age of the adults was 30 years, with the mean period of exposure being 7.1 years. The mean blood lead level in the children was 62.1 ug/dl which was greater than that in adults in whom the mean level was 43.3 ug/dl. Fifty-one per cent of the children and 60 percent of adults had a blood lead level of 40 ug/dl or greater. Toxic levels occur commonly in adults and especially children working in or living near lead smelting operations. Urgent measures are needed to reduce the risk of lead toxicity to this high-risk population and the community. (AU)