Blood lead levels and potential environmental exposures among children under five years in kibera slums, Nairobi

Abstract

Lead exposure has been associated with intellectual impairment in children in a number of international studies. Prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (eBLL >10ug/dL) of between 5 - 15% has been reported among in Nairobi (UNEP, 2006). However, little is known about potential environmental exposure for eBLLs among children in Kibera, Nairobi The study found about 7% (N ; 387) of the children tested had eBLL 2: 10ug/dl in an area with very high soil lead levels (range in Kibera slums: 3,365 - 89,570 nglkg; WHO allowable range: 100 - 120uglkg), raising a health flag that must be addressed using the multi-sectoral approach and further studies. It's important to note that the study design and its inherent limitations could have masked true picture of childhood lead poisoning in Kibera slums, Nairobi.