For International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023, Pure Earth Indonesia launched Environmental Lead Impact Assessment on Children’s and Adult’s Health, a video about a recent study of childhood lead poisoning and sources of lead exposure in Java, Indonesia.
To learn more about how Pure Earth Indonesia collaborated with government and academic partners, institutions and the local community to reduce lead exposure in Java. Make sure to also follow us on Instagram @pureearthindonesia to get the latest updates #PureEarthBuddy!.
Watch the video
Background of The Study
The purpose of the study is to analyze the prevalence and severity of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) of children aged 1-5 years on the island of Java, Indonesia. This study also aims to identify the sources of exposure, including exposure from parents, by conducting a home-based analysis. The study was conducted in 4 locations where populations are known to have been exposed to lead (Pb). The data was then compared with BLLs in control areas that had the same socio-demographic conditions.
Collaborative Efforts Through Studies in 5 Locations
This study was carried out between May and August 2023 by the Pure Earth Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with the Occupational and Environmental Health Research Center, IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, and the University of Indonesia. The 5 study locations are Cinangka Village, Bogor Regency; Pesarean Village, Tegal Regency; Kadu Jaya Village, Tangerang Regency; Dupak & Dukuh Wall District in Surabaya City; and Cinangneng Village in Bogor Regency, which was determined as the control area for this study. The implementation of the study also received support from the Health Polytechnic of the Yogyakarta Ministry of Health and the Prodia Occupational Health Institute.
The Embodiment of Synergy Between Government, Non-Government, University, Private and Community Institutions
The implementation of this study was coordinated with the Health Service, village government and community health centers in each location. Apart from the Pure Earth Indonesia team which consists of 3 people, the implementation of this study involved 24 doctors, 7 enumerators, 9 laboratory technicians, and 53 health cadres. Prior to the study, the team also received some training in May 2023 at the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine – University of Indonesia. The subjects of the study consisted of 564 children aged 1 to 5 years and 153 adults, with home-based analysis that were conducted in 145 homes.
Series of Study Implementation
Children’s BLLs were tested using LeadCare II and hemoglobin levels were tested using Hemocue. Growth and development tests were conducted under the supervision of the pediatrician. At the end of testing, children who had clinical symptoms (such as anemia, growth disorders, and development disorders) were immediately given a referral for further examination and/or treatment at the community health center.
The results of this study were directly coordinated with the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) which then responded by issuing recommendations regarding Lead Intoxication in Children on July 10, 2023. The results of this study were reported to the Ministry of Health on September 26, 2023, and to the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry on October 9, 2023.
The Study Results Socialization Agenda
Pure Earth Indonesia in collaboration with OEHRC IMERI, Program Study of Occupational Medicine, Program Study of Family Medicine and Primary Services, Faculty of Medicine – University of Indonesia, will carry out outreach and counseling on the subject of lead poisoning as well as disseminate study results to local governments in 5 study locations, and The International Symposium ICE on IMERI, during International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.