Lead-glazed ceramics as major determinants of blood lead levels in Mexican women
The aim of this study was to determine the main contributors to blood lead levels in a population of women from middle to low socioeconomic status in the southwestern part of Mexico City. Within this area, the authors selected a random sample of 200 women. Age ranged from 21 to 57 years, with a mean of 36 years. Among 99 women who agreed to participate in this study, blood lead levels ranged from 1 to 52 {mu}g/dL, with a mean of 10.6 {mu}g/dL. Five percent of the women had a blood lead level over 25 {mu}g/dL and 22% over 15 {mu}g/dL. There was no significant trend in blood levels according to age. The main determinants of blood lead levels were higher socioeconomic status and using lead-glazed ceramics (LGC) to prepare food. There was a significant increasing trend in blood lead levels with increasing frequency of consumption of food prepared in LGC. Among the dishes prepared in LGC, the main determinant was the consumption of stew. Time spent outdoors and consumption of tap water and of canned food were not important determinants of blood lead levels. The population attributable risk of high blood level (< 15 {mu}g/dL) due to the use of LGC was 58%. These findings demonstrate the major role of traditional pottery as a contributor to blood lead levels in this population and emphasize the need for interventions to produce lead-free pottery.
- OSTI ID:
- 5929668
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 94; ISSN 0091-6765; ISSN EVHPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOCHEMISTRY
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
CERAMICS
CHEMISTRY
CONTAMINATION
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
FEMALES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LATIN AMERICA
LEAD COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
MAN
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
POPULATIONS
PRIMATES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
VERTEBRATES
WOMEN