%0 Journal Article
%T Assessment of prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children and pregnant women in Bihar, India.
%A Lu Y
%A Chandan AK
%A Mehta S
%A Kushwaha M
%A Kumar A
%A Ali M
%A Srivastava A
%A Ghosh AK
%A Bose-O'Reilly S
%A Nambiar L
%A Kass D
%J Environ Res
%V 259
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 1
%M 38960355
%F 8.431
%R 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119528
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>While modeled estimates and studies in contaminated areas indicate high lead exposure among children in Bihar, India, local data on lead exposure in the child population is limited.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To characterize lead exposure, and assess potential sources of lead exposure among a state-representative sample of children and their pregnant mothers residing in Bihar.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Blood samples were collected from 697 children under five and 55 pregnant women from eight districts in Bihar. Blood lead levels were determined using capillary blood and a portable lead analyzer. Household demographics, home environment, behavior, and nutrition information were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews with primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and elevated blood lead levels.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>More than 90% of children and 80% of pregnant women reported blood lead levels ≥5 μg/dL. Living near a lead-related industry and pica behavior of eating soil were significantly associated with increased odds of having elevated blood lead levels. Additional risk factors for having a blood level ≥5 μg/dL included the use of skin lightning cream (aOR = 5.11, 95%CI: 1.62, 16.16) and the use of eyeliners (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.14, 6.93). Having blood lead levels ≥10 μg/dL was also significantly associated with the household member who had an occupation or hobby involving the use of lead (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.72).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Elevated blood lead levels were prevalent among children and pregnant women in Bihar, indicating the urgent need for a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention strategy.