HIGH BLOOD LEAD LEVELS IN CERAMIC FOLK ART WORKERS IN MICHOACAN, MEXICO

Ceramic folk art workers are at risk for developing lead intoxication. These workers live in small settlements, which often lack sanitation services, and these individuals work with ceramics in their homes. The study population comprised individuals of all ages from three rural c ommunities in central Michoacan (Tzintzuntzan, Tzintzunzita, and Colon ia Lazaro Cardenas). A survey questionnaire, which was provided to eac h individual, included questions about household characteristics, pres ence of a clay oven in the home, and use of lead oxide (''greta'') and other hazardous products. Venous blood samples were obtained from the workers. We found lead exposure to be reduced if the home floor was c overed and if the house had been painted less than or equal to 1 y pri or to study. Blood lead levels exceeded the maximum level permitted, b ut the levels were lower than those found in the 1970s, during which t ime study techniques for analyzing samples differed from those used in the present study. In addition, activity patterns of the populations differed during the two studies.