Early prevention is key to combating lead exposure say health experts
Sherab Lhamo
Nearly three out of five expectant mothers— a staggering 58.9 percent of pregnant women—exhibit blood lead levels above the critical limit, according to the latest National Blood Lead Level Survey Fact Sheet 2024.
This survey revealed that expecting mothers and young children are more vulnerable to lead exposure.
An assistant professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Ministry of Health, Dr Phillip Erbele, said that in early years of an infant and child’s life, their rapidly growing bodies require large amounts of micronutrients like calcium and iron. During this critical period, lead can easily infiltrate the developing brain, leading to dire consequences such as lower IQ, behavioural issues, and reduced academic performance.
According to the report, children absorb lead four to five times more effectively than non-pregnant adults.
Dr Phillip Erbele said that lead can also be deposited in soft tissues of the body and the bones.
Although the blood-brain barrier becomes more resistant after age five, lead can still accumulate in soft tissues and bones.
Lead in the blood and soft tissues has a half-life of approximately 30 days. If a person is not exposed to additional lead, their blood lead level will decrease by half every 30 days, said Dr Phillip.
In adults, the half-life of lead in bones is approximately 30 years, meaning that the lead in a person’s bones is very stable and half of the amount of lead in bones will be released very slowly over 30 years.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women require increased micronutrients to support foetal development and milk production, making them more susceptible to lead absorption from the environment. If these women have previously been exposed to lead, it may be released back into their bloodstream during pregnancy, potentially harming their developing child.
“It is crucial that all exposure to lead be prevented throughout all years of life, and especially in children because they absorb more during the early years of life and in girls,” Dr Phillip Erbele said.
However, he said that there is a minimal risk of lead transmission through breast milk, advising women to not stop breastfeeding. “Breast milk is the best and safest source of nutrition for a young baby.”
He said that the risks associated with bottle feeding, such as poor growth and increased illness, far outweigh the potential dangers from lead in breast milk.
To minimise lead exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Dr Phillip Erbele recommended limiting time spent near sources of lead like vehicle repair shops and metal artisan shops and other places with known sources of lead.
He added prioritising a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to reduce lead absorption, and practising good hygiene, such as washing hands before eating or preparing food, to reduce the risk of lead exposure from household or religious items.
He said that lead exposure is an emerging problem in Bhutan, which requires time and resources to educate the public. “It is difficult and takes time to change social patterns considering how many people continue to smoke and use alcohol even though we know both are bad for one’s health.”
Dr Phillip Erbele also highlighted the need for further research to evaluate the extent and severity of lead poisoning in other groups and to understand different sources of lead, which would require additional resources including financial, research and human resources.