Abstract:
Lead poisoning is a global health problem but
unrecognized in African countries. Umbilical
Cord Lead levels can be used to determine
community exposure to lead. At delivery, 150
women were recruited for cord blood lead.
A prevalence of 10% beyond the accepted
range was found. Cord blood levels ranged
from 0.1–18.1 mg/dl, with a mean of 4.1 mg/dl.
There was no association between lead levels and
pregnancy outcomes in terms of low birth weight
and pre-term delivery. There was a weak
association between lead poisoning and living
in a painted house and use of tap water
(OR¼1.4). There was no association between
lead poisoning and use of facial cosmetics.
Living near heavy traffic was more associated
with increased cord blood lead levels.
