Blood Lead Levels and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children Near Lead-Mining Sites in Zamfara State

Lead poisoning from artisanal mining activities in Zamfara State has attracted significant international attention, yet systematic physiological assessments of affected children remain limited. This study assessed blood lead levels and associated neurocognitive outcomes among children aged 3 to 10 years near lead-mining sites in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Sixty children from communities proximate to mining activities were recruited alongside 30 children from non-mining communities. Whole blood lead concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cognitive function was assessed using age-appropriate tests for memory, language, and problem-solving. Neurological symptoms were evaluated through structured clinical assessment. Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlation were applied. Results confirmed that 78.3 percent of children near mining sites had blood lead levels exceeding the reference threshold of 5 micrograms per decilitre. Mean blood lead levels were significantly higher in exposed children compared to controls. Higher lead levels correlated significantly with poorer cognitive scores and increased neurological symptoms including hyperactivity and speech delay. The study concludes that artisanal mining activities in Zamfara represent an urgent public health crisis, with measurable neurocognitive harm in affected children. Government-led environmental remediation and expanded community health surveillance are urgently required. Keywords: blood lead, lead poisoning, neurocognition, children, Zamfara State.