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.
Recent Abstracts
Analysing India’s Unique Subnational WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Policies and Their Implementation Across 17…
Strengthening the Tobacco Cessation Ecosystem
Activity Report 2025 – Brazil
More Data Better Health – Brazilian People’s Perceptions of Risk Factors for Cancer
Relatório de Atividades 2025 – Brasil
Mais Dados Mais Saúde – Percepções da população brasileira sobre fatores de risco…
What Primary Care Records Reveal About Cancer Signs and Symptoms
O que os prontuários da atenção primária revelam sobre sinais e sintomas de…
CRVS Performance Measurement and Monitoring Resource Kit
Model Kentucky Ordinance Establishing a County Opioid Abatement Advisory Council