Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that can enter the environment through various human activities, including mining, manufacturing, and battery recycling. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no level of lead exposure known to be without harmful effects. The effects of lead exposure can be serious, ranging from reduced IQ and learning difficulties to severe neurological damage and even death. In Kenya, Dr. Oluwatosin Kuti, a medical doctor with expertise in health economics and international health, says lead exposure remains an important but often overlooked public-health concern.
Lead can enter the body through inhalation and ingestion, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their frequent hand-to-mouth behavior and developing nervous systems. The consequences of lead exposure can be severe, including reduced fetal growth and preterm birth during pregnancy. In children, lead exposure has been associated with reduced IQ, attention and learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Malnutrition can further increase vulnerability to lead exposure, as deficiencies in nutrients such as iron and calcium may increase lead absorption.
The sources of lead exposure can be closer than we think, including lead-acid batteries, paints, ceramics and glazes, ammunition, jewelry, toys, and some traditional cosmetics and medicines. In Kenya, the handling and recycling of used batteries deserve greater attention, as improper collection, dismantling, or recycling can lead to contamination of surrounding soil, dust, and air. Dr. Kuti's work in Dandora has focused on understanding such environmental health risks, highlighting the need for greater awareness and regulation.
Children are not simply smaller versions of adults when it comes to lead exposure, as their developing nervous systems are particularly vulnerable. Globally, UNICEF estimates that up to 800 million children have blood lead levels associated with harmful effects. The WHO cites estimates from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation showing that lead exposure was associated with more than 3.5 million deaths globally in 2023, primarily through cardiovascular effects.
The consumption of contaminated soil or clay soil, known as udongo, is another potential pathway for lead exposure. Dr. Kuti identifies pregnant and breastfeeding women as an important population for attention, as lead exposure can have serious consequences for fetal development and child health. However, the presence of lead in a particular soil, product, or food should be established through testing rather than assumed.
The most important intervention is prevention, as there is no treatment that simply reverses the developmental damage caused by lead exposure. The WHO's clinical guidance recommends identifying and stopping the source of exposure when blood lead concentrations reach specified levels. In Kenya, Dr. Kuti says there is a need for stronger integration of blood-lead measurements into routine public-health systems.
Governments have a role in regulating products, protecting workers, controlling industrial emissions, managing hazardous waste, and preventing children from living or playing near contaminated sites. The WHO and UNEP's Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint is working toward legally binding controls on lead in paint, with only 48% of countries having such controls as of January 2024. Kenya's response to lead exposure needs to be examined beyond awareness campaigns, with a focus on identifying and addressing sources of lead exposure.
Key points
- Lead exposure remains a significant public health concern in Kenya, particularly for young children and women of child-bearing age.
- The sources of lead exposure can be closer than we think, including lead-acid batteries, paints, and contaminated soil and water.
- Prevention is the most important intervention, with a focus on identifying and stopping the source of exposure and integrating blood-lead measurements into routine public-health systems.
