A recent study conducted by a joint team of Kenyan and American researchers has recognised a troubling trend of lead exposure among pregnant women in Nairobi.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, reports that many mothers residing in informal settlements have elevated blood lead levels which are also present in their umbilical cord blood. This finding suggests that these mothers are unknowingly passing on lead to their developing fetuses, potentially impacting their children’s cognitive abilities.
The research team, led by scientists from the University of Nairobi and the University of Washington, focused on mothers from Dandora and Kariobangi areas known for high lead contamination.
Their blood and umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed, revealing levels exceeding the safety limits set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is particularly concerning as lead exposure, even at low levels, can lead to permanent reductions in intelligence and difficulties with learning, especially in mathematics. The study highlights the dangers of lead-based paints, which were identified as the primary source of lead contamination. Despite a ban on lead additives in paint implemented in Kenya in 2018, unscrupulous manufacturers continue to incorporate the chemical into their products.
Lead paint chips and dust are easily inhaled or ingested, entering the bloodstream and accumulating in vital organs, including the brain. Lead disrupts the brain’s development by mimicking calcium, a crucial element for proper neural function. The researchers attribute the high lead levels to the slow and uneven phase-out of lead-based paints, particularly in low-income areas with poorly maintained housing. Their findings indicate a correlation between lead exposure and the presence of peeling or chipping paint in the home environment.
In response to these concerning results, the study authors recommend a multi-pronged approach to address the issue. They urge Kenyan authorities to strengthen regulations and enforcement measures to eradicate the production, import, and sale of lead-based paints and leaded fuel. Public education campaigns are also crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and empower communities to protect themselves. The study emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and adherence to existing standards such as those set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards which limit lead content in paints to align with international guidelines.
