Lead in a residential environment in Jamaica

Abstract

The background levels of lead in Jamaica in soils and sediments, estimated at 37 mg kg(-1), are relatively high compared with world averages. Several areas have values in excess of this due to mineralisation and pollution. One such is the residential Hope Flats/Kintyre area in which levels of lead up to 2.5% are found in the soils and up to 8 μg kg(-1) in the water of the nearby Hope River. The blood lead levels of a sample of children were in the range 5.7-57 μg dl(-1). The high lead levels suggest a potential health risk, particularly for the children. This can be minimised by programmes which include community education, case management and abatement to reduce the lead exposure.

Heavy metals in Jamaican surface soils

“…The average lead content of the soils is 44.5 mg kg -1 which is higher than the crustal average of 13 mg kg -1 (Mason and Moore, 1982). Although not represented in this map, the old Hope Mine area in St Andrew exhibits some very high lead levels in the range 6-38000 mg kg -1 which are reflected in the blood Pb levels of children resident in the area (Anglin-Brown et al, 1994). Because leaded petrol is still used in Jamaica, motor vehicle exhaust is also a significant source of soil anthropogenic lead due to atmospheric fallout (Davis et al, 1994).…”

“…High cadmium levels have also been observed in the old Hope Mine area of St Andrew which has now become a residential district (Anglin-Brown et al, 1994). These are associated with the occurrence of galena.…”

Caribbean Children's Geographies: A Case Study of Jamaica

“…Most of these studies have been quantitative and/or medical studies carried out in various parishes, and have incorporated investigations of blood lead levels of children from as young as 6 months of age upwards (Anglin‐Brown et al. 1995, 1996; Bryan et al. 2004; Lalor and Vutchkov 2000; Lalor et al.…”

“…Other studies have been significant in their recommendations for, and subsequent evaluation of, remedial and abatement measures, such as community health education (Anglin‐Brown et al. 1995, 1996; Lalor and Vutchkov 2000; Lalor et al. 2001; Lowe et al.…”

“…2002). Investigations were also valuable in highlighting the importance of careful planning when considering siting issues (Anglin‐Brown et al. 1995, 1996).…”