•We measured blood lead levels in children near a Pb–Zn mine in Zambia.•100% of the sampled children under 7years had BLLs>5μgdL−1.•Highest BLLs were seen in children around the age of ...2years.•BLLs>150μgdL−1 were recorded 8 children with a maximum of 427.8μgdL−1.•The children living around the Pb–Zn mine are at serious risks of Pb poisoning.
Childhood lead poisoning is a serious public health concern worldwide. Blood lead levels exceeding 5μgdL−1 are considered elevated. In Kabwe, the capital of Zambia’s Central Province, extensive Pb contamination of township soils in the vicinity of a Pb–Zn mine and posing serious health risk to children has been reported. We investigated BLLs in children under the age of 7years in townships around the mine; where blood samples were collected and analyzed using an ICP-MS. All of the sampled children had BLLs exceeding 5μgdL−1. Children in these areas could be at serious risk of Pb toxicity as 18% of the sampled children in Chowa, 57% (Kasanda) and 25% (Makululu) had BLLs exceeding 65μgdL−1. Eight children had BLLs exceeding 150μgdL−1 with the maximum being 427.8μgdL−1. We recommend that medical intervention be commenced in the children with BLL exceeding 45μgdL−1.
Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic metals that exist ubiquitously in the environment. Children in polluted areas are particularly vulnerable to metal exposure, where clinical signs and symptoms ...could be nonspecific. Absorbed metals are excreted primarily in urine and reflect exposure from all sources. We analyzed Pb and Cd concentrations in blood, feces and urine of children from polluted townships near a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia, to determine concurrent childhood exposure to the metals. Moreover, the study determined the Pb and Cd relationships among urine, feces and blood as well as accessed the potential of urine and fecal analysis for biomonitoring of Pb and Cd exposure in children. Fecal Pb (up to 2252 mg/kg, dry weight) and urine Pb (up to 2914 μg/L) were extremely high. Concentrations of Cd in blood (Cd-B) of up to 7.7 μg/L, fecal (up to 4.49 mg/kg, dry weight) and urine (up to 18.1 μg/L) samples were elevated. metal levels were higher in younger children (0–3 years old) than older children (4–7). Positive correlations were recorded for Pb and Cd among blood, urine and fecal samples whereas negative correlations were recorded with age. These findings indicate children are exposed to both metals at their current home environment. Moreover, urine and feces could be useful for biomonitoring of metals due to their strong relationships with blood levels. There is need to conduct a clinical evaluation of the affected children to fully appreciate the health impact of these metal exposure.
•We measured lead and cadmium excretion levels in children near a Pb-Zn mine in Zambia.•Fecal and urine Pb levels up to 2252 mg/kg and 2914 μg/L, respectively, were very high.•Cd in fecal (up to 4.49 mg/kg) and urine (up to 18.1 μg/L) samples were elevated.•Positive correlations were observed between fecal and urinary levels of Pb and Cd.•Children living near the Pb-Zn mine are at serious risks of Pb and Cd poisoning.
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