LEAD-EXPOSURE IN LATIN-AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

As a result of the rapid industrialization of Latin America and the Ca ribbean during the second half of this century, exposure to lead has b ecome an increasingly important problem. To obtain an estimate of the magnitude of lead exposure in the region, we carried out a survey and a literature search on potential sources of lead exposure and on blood lead concentrations. Sixteen out of 18 Latin American and 2 out of 10 Caribbean countries responded to the survey. Lead in gasoline remains a major problem, although the lead content has decreased in many coun tries in the last few years. The impact of leaded fuel is more importa nt in urban settings, given their high vehicular density. Seventy-five percent of the population of the region lives in urban areas, and chi ldren younger then 15 years of age, the most susceptible group, compri se 30% of the population. Other sources of lead exposure identified in the region included industrial emissions, battery recycling, paint an d varnishes, and contaminated food and water. Lead is recognized as a priority problem by national authorities in 72% of the countries that responded to the survey, and in 50% of the countries some legislation exists to regulate the lead content in certain products. However, comp liance is low. There is an urgent need for a broad-based coalition bet ween policy makers, industry, workers, unions, health care providers, and the community to take actions to reduce environmental and occupati onal lead exposures in all the Latin American and Caribbean countries.