Assessment of Lead Contamination in Blood of Children Near a Battery Recycling Facility in Lagos State

Informal lead-acid battery recycling operations release lead into the environment through uncontrolled smelting, acid disposal, and dust generation, posing severe risks to children in surrounding communities. This study measured blood lead levels in children residing within one kilometre of an informal battery recycling facility in Mushin, Lagos State, South West Nigeria, and compared findings with a control group from a non-industrial residential community. Venous blood samples were obtained from 130 children aged two to ten years and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Household soil samples were collected and tested for lead concentration. Findings showed that the geometric mean blood lead level in the exposed group was 18.6 micrograms per decilitre, compared to 4.2 micrograms per decilitre in the control group. All children in the exposed group exceeded the current CDC reference value of 3.5 micrograms per decilitre, and fifty-eight percent surpassed 10 micrograms per decilitre. Soil lead concentrations near the recycling site averaged 1,900 mg/kg. Parent-reported neurological and behavioral concerns, including learning difficulties and hyperactivity, were more prevalent in the exposed group. Handwashing after outdoor play and dietary calcium intake were identified as significant protective factors. The study recommends immediate regulatory shutdown of the informal recycling facility, blood lead screening for all proximate children, and chelation therapy evaluation for severely affected children. Keywords: lead poisoning, battery recycling, children, Lagos, blood lead levels.