Scholars conducted research on Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood Lead Levels on selected informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.
The study included mothers from the Dandora and Kariobangi estates who went to deliver at the Pumwani hospital. Blood samples and umbilical cord samples were collected and screened at the government chemist.
The study findings included high levels of lead in the mothers’ blood. The exposure to lead allowed easy transfer to the sensitive foetus. Children born to these mothers were also seen to have reduced intelligence.
The scholars, including members of the Chemistry department of the University of Nairobi, recommended faster facing out of lead based house paints which are the leading sources of lead exposure. More on this study can be found here.
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