High level of lead detected in children’s blood samples
The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is held every year from October 23 to 29. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Say No to Lead Poisoning” campaign and Mongolia held a discussion on the impacts and outcomes of this campaign on October 24.
In this regard, Professor S.Yunden said, “In the 21st century, which is called the chemical century, lead is widely used. For instance, lead is used for various purposes such as the printing industry, gasoline and paint. Lead poisoning occurs due to gasoline mixtures and there is also lead in coal smoke, which is the most common exposure to lead in our country. Lead poisoning usually manifests itself through adverse effects on the brain and kidneys. Specifically, acute lead poisoning can cause severe brain damage. As a result, it manifests itself in severe forms such as headache, cerebral edema, falls and fainting. Arthritis is common in the case of nerve damage. If exposed to lead poisoning for a long time, it can seriously affect kidney functions.”
Director of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Toxicology D.Naransukh said, “Since 1996, several studies have been conducted in Mongolia to determine the level of lead in the blood of children. According to this, the maximum level of lead in the blood of young children is 29 micrograms per deciliter. The measured results are five to six times higher than the recommendations of the WHO and other international organizations. For instance, there is a 2016 study that determined lead in the blood of children living in areas with high air pollution in Ulaanbaatar and children living in areas with relatively low pollution. The level of lead in the blood of Mongolian children exceeded the recommended level in the world. High levels of lead in children’s blood are directly related to air pollution. Secondly, drinking water, food storage containers and other equipment are the main sources of lead exposure. It is also necessary to pay attention to the amount of lead used in construction materials.”