Risk assessment of children's blood lead level in some rural habitations of western Uttar Pradesh,India |
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Authors: | Veena Chaudhary Mukesh Kuar Sharma |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry , C.S.S.S. PG College , Machhra, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India veena_chaudhary@yahoo.co.in;3. Department of Hydrology, National Institute of Hydrology , Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India |
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Abstract: | The objective of this study was to determine the blood lead level (BLL) of children aged under 5 living in western Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 100 blood samples, 100 drinking water samples, and 21 vegetable samples were assessed for lead (Pb) contamination. BLL was observed in the range of 3–11.58?µg?dL?1 with a maximal level of 11.58?±?0.05?µg?dL?1 in Kazipur village. Lead in water samples was detected in the range of 0.006–0.095?ppm and identified at upto 9.5-fold higher than the stated permissible limit. A significant positive correlation (+0.679) was obtained between BLL and water Pb levels. All vegetable samples were also contaminated with Pb upto 12-fold higher than the permissible limit of 2.5?µg?g?1 of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) 1954. Untreated industrial effluents were identified as the responsible factors for Pb occurrence in the study area. The presence of lead may be associated with the increased antisocial activities of children living in western Uttar Pradesh. Children with elevated BLL had poorer nutritional status than those with background Pb levels. There is an urgent need for a national campaign to monitor the BLL of children in India. |
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Keywords: | blood lead level water lead level western Uttar Pradesh India |
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