Cent Eur J Public Health 1998, 6(2):123-126
Risk assessment/communication in a lead contaminated area of Romania
- Institute of Public Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
One of the areas in Romania most polluted with too high levels of lead as a result of non-ferrous metallurgic industry, is the region of Copsa-Mica. The purpose of the present study is how to reduce lead absorption in children. The main objectives are environmental health assessment of lead in the Copsa-Mica area, and communication and risk management strategies. The study population comprised 197 children aged 7 to 11 years living in two localities, Copsa-Mica and Axente-Sever. Exposure assessment was mainly based on blood lead, as the most specific biomarker of exposure. Lead contamination of the subjects proved a really serious situation, all of them having blood lead concentrations above 10 µg/dl, with a mean value and standard deviation of 28.12 ± 7.13 µg/dl. The prevalence of children with blood lead levels equal or higher than 20 µg/dl was very high (86.4 %), especially in Copsa-Mica 93.75 %). Blood lead concentrations were significantly associated with several risk factors such as parental exposure to lead at the workplace and vegetables/fruits. Comparison of blood pressures with the National Standard values revealed significant increases of diastolic blood pressure along with significant decreases of systolic blood pressure. The relationship between blood pressure and blood lead levels has been examined in a multiple linear regression model. After adjustment for locality, age, gender, parental hypertension history, height and weight, the association of distolic blood pressure with the blood lead level was statistically significant. The findings of our study reflect the necessity to develop a programme of certain technical and medical measures to reduce the lead exposure and its impact on the children's cognitive and physical development in the Copsa-Mica area. Reduction of emissions from smelter should be implemented, along with control of exposure from soil and dust that may require restriction of the children's access to soil, promotion of personal hygienic practices and dust control measures at home. Blood lead levels should be measured regularly in children, as well as indicators of its toxicity such as intelligence coefficient (IQ) and growth rates. In order to achieve these goals, a social marketing activity should be implemented.
Published: June 1, 1998 Show citation