Childhood lead poisoning in Mexico: other sources of exposure beyond lead-glazed ceramics (Ensanut 2022)

Abstract

Objective. Update to 2022 the prevalence of lead poisoning in the children population of 1-4 years in Mexico and describe sources of environmental and paraocupational exposure, and use of lead-glazed ceramics (LGC). Materials and methods. Study in a sample of children who participated in the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 (Ensanut 2022). The capillary blood lead levels (BLL) were measured. A questionnaire was applied to inquire about sources of lead exposure. Results. BLL were measured in 1 158 under 1-4 years. The national prevalence of lead poisoning (≥5.0 μg/dl) was 16.8% (95%CI:13.6,20.5). The proportion of households that reported exposure to an exclusive source was 21.2, 17.7 and 7.4% for LGC, environmental and paraocupational exposure respectively. The prevalence of lead poisoning of those exposed to a single source was 21.5%; and this figure increases to 24.2% among those who reported combined exposure to the three types of sources. Conclusion. The national prevalence of lead poisoning remained stable with respect to the same indicator in Ensanut 2018-19. The use of LGC is a relevant source of exposure, but it is not the only one. An important contribution was identified by environmental exposure and to the lesser extent of paraocupational exposure.