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Lead Exposure in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Perspectives and Lessons on Patterns, Injustices, Economics, and Politics

Author

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  • Katarzyna Kordas

    (Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Julia Ravenscroft

    (Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Ying Cao

    (Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Elena V. McLean

    (Department of Political Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA)

Abstract

Lead exposure is a legacy issue that continues to affect vulnerable population groups globally, but particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICS). We take a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the patterns of lead exposure in these countries, discuss the underlying injustices and socio-political causes, and the economic costs that are associated with exposure. We conclude with some lessons we drew from our discussion of lead across the disciplines and advocate for a number of approaches to solving this ongoing issue. These include (i) biomonitoring that could be integrated into existing health surveys or public health programs targeting young children; (ii) greater civic engagement to push for solutions; and, (iii) environmental control policies that represent a continuum of local, context-specific to broad, national-level, and even global approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarzyna Kordas & Julia Ravenscroft & Ying Cao & Elena V. McLean, 2018. "Lead Exposure in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Perspectives and Lessons on Patterns, Injustices, Economics, and Politics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2351-:d:178054
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    2. Garett Sansom & Leslie Cizmas & Kathleen Aarvig & Benika Dixon & Katie R. Kirsch & Anjali Katare & Lindsay Sansom, 2019. "Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water within Houston Ship Channel Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-8, August.

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