Blood Lead Surveillance of Children and Pregnant Women in Tamil Nadu, India

New data sheds light on lead exposure among children and pregnant women in Tamil Nadu, India

Lead exposure remains a major public health problem in India, especially for young children. Vital Strategies, Pure Earth, and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research- a WHO Collaborating Centre, in partnership with the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu, conducted a first statewide blood lead surveillance for children and pregnant women.

Our findings reveal that 39 percent of children aged below 6 years in Tamil Nadu have blood lead levels (BLLs) above 5 µg/dL, with children living in urban areas and aged between 5 and 6 years at greater risk of elevated BLLs. The study highlights multiple risk factors, such as staying in a household with recent renovation or chipping paint, living near a lead-related industry, and the type of flooring. proximity to lead-related industries, and the type of flooring are associated with high BLLs in children.

This report highlights the importance of establishing a routine blood lead surveillance system and monitoring of risk factors for elevated BLLs among young children.

Download the Report