Reductions in spice lead levels in the republic of Georgia: 2020–2022

Forsyth, Jenna E.; Akhalaia, Khatuna; Jintcharadze, Mariami; Nash, Emily; Sharov, Petr; Temnikova, Alena; Elmera, Christlee

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2024.118504

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Previous studies have identified elevated lead levels in certain spices from countries around the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and South Asia, among other 39 – 43 . In several countries, prior programs have confirmed that elevated lead concentrations were the result of producers adding lead-based pigments to spices to make their colors brighter 8 . The RMS study was not designed to focus specifically on countries known to have contaminated spices, nor to focus solely on the types of spices that have been identified as more often contaminated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are multiple lead exposure pathways, from consumption of lead-contaminated dust near industrial hotspots, to ingestion of lead-contaminated paint chips to lead-adulterated spices 2 , 5 – 8 . Prior studies have identified lead contamination in a variety of consumer products such as paints, ceramics, spices, foodware, traditional medicines, and cosmetics 1 , 2 , 8 – 13 . However, the geographic variability and overall distribution of lead in these potential exposure sources have not been adequately characterized, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rapid Market Screening to assess lead concentrations in consumer products across 25 low- and middle-income countries

Sargsyan,

Nash,

Binkhorst

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Lead exposure can have serious consequences for health and development. The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are considered irreversible. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. In 2020, Pure Earth and UNICEF estimated that one in three children had elevated blood lead levels above 5 µg/dL. The sources of lead exposure vary around the world and can range from household products, such as spices or foodware, to environmental pollution from nearby industries. The aim of this study was to analyze common products from markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for their lead content to determine whether they are plausible sources of exposure. In 25 LMICs, the research teams systematically collected consumer products (metal foodware, ceramics, cosmetics, paints, toys, spices and other foods). The items were analyzed on site for detectable lead above 2 ppm using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. For quality control purposes, a subset of the samples was analyzed in the USA using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The lead concentrations of the individual product types were compared with established regulatory thresholds. Out of 5007 analyzed products, threshold values (TV) were surpassed in 51% for metal foodware (TV 100 ppm), 45% for ceramics (TV 100 ppm), and 41% for paints (TV 90 ppm). Sources of exposure in LMICs can be diverse, and consumers in LMICs lack adequate protection from preventable sources of lead exposure. Rapid Market Screening is an innovative, simple, and useful tool to identify risky products that could be sources of lead exposure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%