Preeclampsia and blood lead (and other metals) in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Journal Article · Thu Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2018 · Environmental Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.07.032· OSTI ID:23110593

Kayembe-Kitenge, Tony ^[1]; Haufroid, Vincent ^[2]; Nemery, Benoit ^[3]

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1. Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of (Congo, The Democratic Republic of the)
2. Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels (Belgium)
3. Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven (Belgium)

Among parturient women in Lubumbashi, blood lead concentrations [geometric means (25th–75th percentiles)] were higher among 40 women with preeclampsia [6.66 µg/dL (5.16–79.4)] than among 39 control women matched for age and gestation duration [5.08 µg/dL (4.27–6.30)]. Blood lead exceeded 5 µg/dL in 33 (83%) preeclamptic women and 17 (44%) control women [odds ratio 6.1 (95%CI 2.1–17.1)]. In another study, we found high levels of lead in surface dust collected in front of homes in Lubumbashi (36/127 samples exceeding 120 µg lead/g dust). Our findings support the conclusions of a systematic review that increased blood lead level increases the likelihood of preeclampsia. Moreover, our study indicates that, as in other urban areas in Africa, exposure to lead is unacceptably high among pregnant women in Lubumbashi. Preventive measures are needed to protect mothers and children from the serious adverse effects of lead exposure.

• OSTI ID: 23110593
• Journal Information: Environmental Research, Journal Name: Environmental Research Vol. 167; ISSN ENVRAL; ISSN 0013-9351
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BLOOD
CHILDREN
CONCENTRATION RATIO
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
DUSTS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
LEAD
PREGNANCY
WOMEN