Lead poisoning of children in Africa, II. Kwazulu/Natal, South Africa

The prevalence of elevated blood lead (PbB) levels in rural and semi-urban areas of Kwazulu/Natal (KZN) as well as the risk factors for elevation of PbB among children in informal settlements are examined. The study involved over 1200 children in two age groups: 3–5 and 8–10 years old. Average PbB level in Besters, an informal settlement in the Durban metropolitan region, was 10 μg/dl with 5% of the children showing PbB level of greater than 25 μg/dl. By comparison, average PbB value in Vulamehlo, a rural area located 90–120 km from Durban, was 3.8 μg/dl and 2% of the PbB was greater than 10 μg/dl. The results show that many children in KZN are at risk of being lead poisoned. Household factors that were significantly associated with PbB levels in children included distance from tarred roads, overcrowding, hygienic habits in the household and the burning of solid wastes for heating or cooking. Lack of significant association with child risk behaviors is attributed to the over-riding influence of high levels of contaminated dusts both indoor and outdoor. With recent introduction of unleaded gasoline in South Africa, a number of unique socio-ecological factors are expected to slow the change in PbB levels of children in some townships.