Blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels in Kazakhstan

A pilot study was conducted to examine the extent of lead exposure and prevalence of iron deficiency in 3 major cities of Kazakhstan. Blood lead (B- Pb.) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (ZnPP) levels of 475 children, age range 6 months to 7 years were measured. The mean B-Pb. levels in the different cities ranged from 4-7 μg/dl (minimum 1 to max 29 μg/dl) and similarly the mean ZnPP levels ranged from 26-32 μg/dl (minimum 12 and maximum 95 μg/dl), thus confirming low level lead poisoning of children at some sites. One to four year olds had greater than 10 μg/dl B-Pb in 18-27% cases compared with 3-7% cases in five to seven year olds. Prevalence of iron deficiency in 6 months to 4 year old children was the highest ranging from 28-86% compared with 4 to 15% in 4-7 year olds. However, there was remarkably low prevalence (4%) of iron deficiency in a group of 5-6 years olds. This study suggests that a targeted B-Pb and ZnPP monitoring together with an iron supplementation programme in the 3 cities of Kazakhstan is essential. Environmental education appears to have had a positive impact in lowering B- Pb at one site and should thus be a expanded nationwide.