Elevated Levels of Lead (Pb) Identified in Georgian Spices.
Journal
Annals of global health
ISSN: 2214-9996
Titre abrégé: Ann Glob Health
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101620864
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
28 09 2020
28 09 2020
Historique:
entrez:
12
10
2020
pubmed:
13
10
2020
medline:
16
10
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Human lead (Pb) exposure can result in a number of adverse health outcomes, particularly in children. An assessment of lead exposure sources was carried out in the Republic of Georgia following a nationally representative survey that found elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children. A range of environmental media were assessed in 25 homes and four bazaars spanning five regions. In total, 682 portable X-Ray Fluorescence measurements were taken, including those from cookware (n = 53); paint (n = 207); soil (n = 91); spices (n = 128); toys (n = 78); and other media (n = 125). In addition, 61 dust wipes and 15 water samples were collected and analyzed. Exceptionally high lead concentrations were identified in multiple spices. Median lead concentrations in six elevated spices ranged from 4-2,418 times acceptable levels. Median lead concentrations of all other media were within internationally accepted guidelines. The issue appeared to be regional in nature, with western Georgia being the most highly affected. Homes located in Adjara and Guria were 14 times more likely to have lead-adulterated spices than homes in other regions. Further study is required to determine the source of lead contamination in spices. Policy changes are recommended to mitigate potential health impacts. The results of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that points to adulterated spices as a significant source of human lead exposure.
Sections du résumé
Background
Human lead (Pb) exposure can result in a number of adverse health outcomes, particularly in children.
Objective
An assessment of lead exposure sources was carried out in the Republic of Georgia following a nationally representative survey that found elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children.
Methods
A range of environmental media were assessed in 25 homes and four bazaars spanning five regions. In total, 682 portable X-Ray Fluorescence measurements were taken, including those from cookware (n = 53); paint (n = 207); soil (n = 91); spices (n = 128); toys (n = 78); and other media (n = 125). In addition, 61 dust wipes and 15 water samples were collected and analyzed.
Findings
Exceptionally high lead concentrations were identified in multiple spices. Median lead concentrations in six elevated spices ranged from 4-2,418 times acceptable levels. Median lead concentrations of all other media were within internationally accepted guidelines. The issue appeared to be regional in nature, with western Georgia being the most highly affected. Homes located in Adjara and Guria were 14 times more likely to have lead-adulterated spices than homes in other regions.
Conclusions
Further study is required to determine the source of lead contamination in spices. Policy changes are recommended to mitigate potential health impacts. The results of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that points to adulterated spices as a significant source of human lead exposure.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33042779
doi: 10.5334/aogh.3044
pmc: PMC7528690
doi:
Substances chimiques
Lead
2P299V784P
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
124Subventions
Organisme : NIEHS NIH HHS
ID : D43 ES030927
Pays : United States
Informations de copyright
Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s).
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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