NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New research “A Snapshot of Lead in Consumer Products Across Four U.S. Jurisdictions” just published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that up to 38% of childhood lead poisoning cases across four United States jurisdictions are associated with exposures to consumer products, including imports. The authors, a team of researchers from Pure Earth and local health authorities in the United States, issued an urgent call to establish a national tracking database to identify lead-containing consumer products that are associated with elevated blood lead levels in the US that can inform interventions in countries where the contamination originates.
"We've long known about the risk of lead exposures from traditional sources like paint and pipes," says Kate Porterfield, lead author of the study and Special Projects Lead with Pure Earth. “But our research expands on this story. Imported consumer products, from spices to ceramics, are also contributing to blood lead levels above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 ug/dL in the United States."
Conducted across four jurisdictions in California, Oregon, New York City, and King County, Washington, the study analyzed data from over 2,000 home investigations from 2010-2021. In this study, 15% to nearly 40% of the home investigations resulted in consumer products being identified as a potential source of lead exposure.
The implications of the study’s findings extend far beyond the United States. Lead-containing consumer products, which include certain spices, cosmetics, ceramics, metal cookware, traditional health remedies and cultural powders, are mostly manufactured in low- and middle-income countries. By uncovering the global origins of these tainted products, the researchers emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing the lead poisoning crisis.
"The connection between local and global is undeniable," says Paromita Hore, Director of Environmental Exposure Assessment and Education in New York City Health Department. "What starts as a home investigation in Queens could lead us to a marketplace in Dhaka. It's time for a coordinated effort to tackle this issue at its source."
Highlighting the importance of incorporating consumer product surveillance into lead poisoning prevention strategies, the authors conclude with an urgent call for action:
“Time is of essence and the groundwork for this repository must be implemented federally to make this process standardized and effective. In addition to putting in efforts towards reducing housing related lead sources, actions must be taken to prevent further exposures from lead containing consumer products.”
Read the full press release.
About Pure Earth
Established in 1999, Pure Earth is a pioneer in developing evidence-based solutions to lead pollution and poisoning, as well as mercury pollution. Guided by our commitment to transparency, collaboration, impact measurement and technical excellence, Pure Earth works with partners around the world to sustainably address the root causes of these environmental health threats. We work to stop the multigenerational cycle of exposure and poisoning that is endemic in many low and middle-income countries. Pure Earth partners with governments, communities and industry to identify and implement solutions that stop toxic exposures, protect health, and restore environments. Learn more at www.pureearth.org.
