Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine the blood lead levels (blls) of children
under an age of 5 years living in western Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 100
blood samples, 100 drinking water samples, and 21 vegetable samples were
assessed for lead contamination. Blood levels in the range of 30–116 mgL 1 were
observed at Kazipur village. The levels of lead in water samples were reported to
be in the range of 0.006–0.095 ppm and identified at up to 9.5 times the stated
permissible limit. A significant positive correlation (þ0.679) was obtained
between blls and water lead levels. All vegetable samples were also contaminated
with lead up to 12 times higher than the permissible limit of 2.5 mgkg 1
of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) 1954. The cottage lead battery
industry, industrial effluents, and lead paints were identified as possible factors
for lead incidence in the study area. Lead may be associated with increased
antisocial activities of the children living in western Uttar Pradesh. Children
with elevated blls had poorer nutritional status than those with normal levels,
and parents did not know that lead causes health problems. A national
population-based study is recommended to determine the prevalence of
elevated blls.
