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Background: Up to 70% of young Nigerian children have been reported to have blood lead concentrations >10 mg/dl. Aims: To better elucidate risk factors for lead toxicity among Nigerian families with children at risk for lead toxicity. Methods: Two geographic wards in Jos, Nigeria were selected for study, one previously reported to have a high mean blood lead level (37 (SD 13) mg/dl) and one with a lower mean blood lead level (17 (SD 10) mg/dl) in young children. Data pertaining to potential risk factors for lead exposure were collected from children and adults in 34 households. Results: The mean (SD) blood lead concentration of 275 subjects, aged 3 weeks to 90 years, was 8.7 (5.7) mg/dl (range 1-34 mg/dl); 92 (34%) had concentrations >10 mg/dl. In multivariate analysis, an age of 5 years and under, flaking house paint, residence near a gasoline seller, male gender, increasing maternal and paternal education, and use of a lead ore eye cosmetic were independently associated with greater blood lead concentration. Vehicle ownership was associated with reduced lead concentration. Compared with the low-lead ward, residence in the high-lead ward remained significantly associated with greater lead values, indicating that additional factors likely contribute to lead exposure. Conclusion: Although the cause of increased lead levels in Jos appears to be multi-factorial, several remediable sources contribute to lead exposure in Nigeria.

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead levels in young, urban Nigerian children. DesignA randomized cluster sample of children aged 6-35 months. SettingJos, a community in north central Nigeria. Outcome measurementBlood lead level. ResultsOf 218 children evaluated, 70% of the children had blood lead levels in excess of 10 µg/dL. Mean blood lead levels were 15.2 ± 1.4 µg/dL; median blood lead concentration was 12.0 (range 1-> 60 µg/dL). Mean lead concentrations were higher in those who professed the Islamic faith, used eye cosmetics, lived near a battery smelter, or lived in a certain geographical area. Pica was not associated with increased blood lead concentrations. Forward stepwise regression analysis revealed religion, area of residence, and proximity to a battery smelter as the variables which jointly predicted increased blood lead concentrations. ConclusionA majority of the studied children in Jos, Nigeria have lead levels placing them at risk for intellectual impairment. The cause of lead intoxication appears to be multifactoral. Further studies should investigate the causality of these associations prior to the implementation of a primary preventive public health measure.

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