Description
Objective:The current study aims to assess lead exposure in children in the industrial belt of Jharsuguda.Materials and Methods: This observational study with a comparator group was conducted between May 2019 to April 2020. This study assessed the BLLs of a cohort of 251 children attending the pediatrics outpatient department in Government medical, Jharsuguda, and 175 comparators within the age group 1 to 13 years. Experimental subjects from medical records were analyzed through a complete screening, demography, and health examination. For industrial exposure analysis, contaminants in soil samples collected from 9 sampling sites and BLL were analyzed by AAS and US EPA methods. It will assist in policy making regarding safe disposal of lead and prepare strategy for better health and sanitation for the local community. Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, Odds ratio (OR) and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. Results: Analysis of 251 study participants revealed males (157 / 62.5%) dominated over females (94 / 37.5%) with M: F 1.6:1. A statistically significant association was found between anemia and the study group (OR with 95% CI: 3.49, 2.32, 5.26; p < 0.001); good negative correlation (‘r’- 0.616, p < 0.001) was found between blood lead and soil lead levels. The highest concentration of lead (Pb) was observed at wastewater irrigated sites during the post-monsoon period than monsoon and lowest in the pre-monsoon period (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Childhood lead poisoning accounts for a substantial burden in Jharsuguda resulting in various health impacts that can be prevented.
