Prevalence and Determinants of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Background. Lead poisoning is a great public health concern in the Nigerian state of Zamfara due to widespread gold ore mining by artisan miners using rudimentary and unsafe processing techniques. Children aged ≤6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which accounts for 0.6% of the global burden of disease. We undertook this study to find out the prevalence and determinants of childhood lead poisoning in Kawaye, a village located in Zamfara’s Anka local government area (LGA). Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study in April 2013. Using simple random sampling technique, 307 eligible children aged ≤6 years were recruited. Data were collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Blood specimens were collected via venous draw for blood lead level (BLL) assessment and soil at individual households was tested for presence of lead contamination using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Statistical tests of Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors potentially associated with elevated childhood BLL (≥5 μg/dL). Results. A total of 307 children ≤6 years old were sampled, with males constituting 51% of the total (171). Mean age of children = 38.5 months ± 18.5 SD. Parents/guardians of the studied children were predominantly farmers (37%) and miners (15%), with 53.7% having some informal education while 4.2% had no education. Processing of ore within the living compound was reported by 4% of the miners; 7.5% returned home wearing working clothes; 7.2% brought tools home. Thirty percent of parents/guardians were living below the poverty line. The prevalence of lead poisoning (BLL ≥5 μg/dL) among the children studied was 92.5%, with 34 children (11.1%) having BLL ≥45 μg/dL. Fourteen percent of the households had soil lead levels >400 mg/kg. Being age 24–35 months, having childhood anemia, using kohl eye cosmetic and the combination of father’s/guardian’s low level of education and low socioeconomic status were found to be significant risk factors associated with childhood lead poisoning in the regression analyses. Conclusions. The prevalence of childhood lead poisoning was high in Kawaye, which may be attributable to widespread unsafe mining and ore processing activities in the community. We recommended beginning treatment in all cases where severe lead poisoning was identified, and that further targeted interventions should be designed to address the identified risk factors in order to control and prevent further lead poisoning in the village and the state at large. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.