Study of lead exposure to children residing near a lead-zinc mine

Abstract

This lead exposure study was conducted in a total of 452 school children in the age group of 9–14 years. Two hundred and ninety-eight exposed children came from the villages situated within a 2.5 km radius of the lead–zinc mine whereas the comparative group children were selected from the villages at least 10 km away from mine. Environmental monitoring study suggested that lead levels in air and water samples near the mining areas were within the Central Pollution Control Board prescribed standards. Lead levels in about 80% of the children were less than 10 μg/dl. Medical examination of all children did not show any signs related to lead toxicity but central nervous system-related symptoms, as reported by the subjects during medical examination, were found to be higher in the exposed group when compared with the comparative group. The values of physical growth parameters of the exposed group were comparable with that of the comparative group for both girls and boys. Hence, the physical growth of children was found to be unaffected by the observed level of lead exposure. To safeguard the health of the children residing near the mining area, various preventive and control measures were suggested.

Lead Environmental Pollution and Childhood Lead Poisoning at Ban Thi Commune, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

“…In other areas, children have similar blood lead levels. Although the level of lead in the soil in the vicinity of the mine is not higher than that in other areas of the commune, children living near the mine may have low socioeconomic status, which is a high risk group for lead exposure [9]. In Hop Tien village, the average lead content was higher than that in other places due to the large variation in lead content in the soil samples; especially, there was one soil sample collected near the furnace and ore gathering area that had the content lead of 33820.62 mg/kg, but the residents have already known that problem and restricted children from having fun at this area; the risk of lead exposure therefore is not higher than other areas.…”

“…Children living near mining sites are at high risk of lead exposure due to environmental pollution. In addition, the risk of lead poisoning is due to the low socioeconomic status and the professional factors of family members [9]. In Zamfara, Nigeria, gold mining has polluted the environment, leading to the deaths of 400 children of lead poisoning [10].…”

Effect of childhood proximity to lead mining on late life cognition

“…Young children who exhibit hand-to-mouth behavior are especially susceptible to lead-contaminated soil ( Bello et al, 2016 ; Lanphear et al, 2002 ; Mielke & Reagan, 1998 ). Humans and animals living near a lead mine have higher blood lead levels on average than those who are not exposed to a lead mine ( Berglund et al, 2010 ; Beyer et al, 2013 ; Choudhari et al, 2010 ; Dong et al, 2019 ). For example, one study showed that children living <2.5 km from a lead-zinc mine had blood lead levels that were 1.6 and 3.9 μg/dl higher for boys and girls, respectively, than children living at least 10 km away from the mine ( Choudhari et al, 2010 ).…”

“…Humans and animals living near a lead mine have higher blood lead levels on average than those who are not exposed to a lead mine ( Berglund et al, 2010 ; Beyer et al, 2013 ; Choudhari et al, 2010 ; Dong et al, 2019 ). For example, one study showed that children living <2.5 km from a lead-zinc mine had blood lead levels that were 1.6 and 3.9 μg/dl higher for boys and girls, respectively, than children living at least 10 km away from the mine ( Choudhari et al, 2010 ). Studies have shown that even these small differences in lead exposure among children can result in significant cognitive deficits ( Bellinger, 2008 ; Lanphear et al, 2005 ).…”

What Environmental Factors Increase the Risk of Cerebral Palsy in Unborn Children?

“…Mothers near mining operations involving the harvesting of lead can also put children at risk for stunted neurodevelopment, as well as higher lead absorption. 30 In areas of limited access to drinking water regulation, studies have shown that children with cerebral palsy have higher concentrations of lead. 31…”