LEAD-POISONING OF CHILDREN IN AFRICA .2. KWAZULU, NATAL, SOUTH-AFRICA

The prevalence of elevated blood lead (PbB) levels in rural and semi-u rban areas of Kwazulu/Natal (KZN) as well as the risk factors for elev ation of PbB among children in informal settlements are examined. The study involved over 1200 children in two age groups: 3-5 and 8-10 year s old. Average PbB level in Besters, an informal settlement in the Dur ban metropolitan region, was 10 mu g/dl with 5% of the children showin g PbB level of greater than 25 mu g/dl. By comparison, average PbB val ue in Vulamehlo, a rural area located 90-120 km from Durban, was 3.8 m u g/dl and 2% of the PbB was greater than 10 mu g/dl. The results show that many children in KZN are at risk of being lead poisoned. Househo ld factors that were significantly associated with PbB levels in child ren included distance from tarred roads, overcrowding, hygienic habits in the household and the burning of solid wastes for heating or cooki ng. Lack of significant association with child risk behaviors is attri buted to the over-riding influence of high levels of contaminated dust s both indoor and outdoor. With recent introduction of unleaded gasoli ne in South Africa, a number of unique socio-ecological factors are ex pected to slow the change in PbB levels of children in some townships. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.