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Lead Exposure and Preeclampsia

June 9 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Lead Exposure and Preeclampsia.

Research indicates a relationship between elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) and the incidence of preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, women of childbearing age often exhibit BLLs exceeding recommended safety thresholds. A systematic review reported a weighted mean BLL of 26.24 µg/dL among pregnant women in the region, substantially higher than the CDC’s recommended limit of 3.5 µg/dL (Bede-Ojimadu et al., 2018). 

In Ghana, environmental factors such as informal lead-acid battery recycling, use of lead-containing cosmetics, and contaminated cookware contribute to lead exposure. In Ghana, over 1.7 million children are estimated to have blood lead levels exceeding 5 micrograms per deciliter – the level above which there is cause for concern according to UNICEF estimates. A national survey revealed that 53.5% of children surveyed in 3 ecological areas of Ghana have BLLs above 5 µg/dL, indicating widespread environmental contamination. This is yet to be published by Ghana Health Service. Given that lead can cross the placental barrier, pregnant women are at risk of transferring lead to the fetus, potentially leading to adverse outcomes like preeclampsia.​

The correlation between high BLLs and preeclampsia underscores the need for public health interventions in Ghana. Strategies may include community education, regulation of lead-containing products, and improved prenatal care to monitor and manage lead exposure among pregnant women.

Speakers: 

  • Erika Marquez, Ph.D, MPH- Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Director of the Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 
  • Ian Ogurek, D.O., MPH- Internal Medicine Resident, PGY-2, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.
  • Anita Asamoah, Ph.D- Senior Research Scientist, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Caesar Nyadedzor MSc- Toxicologist & Head of Poison Control Unit, Ghana Health Service
  • Esmond Quansah, DD- Country Director, Pure Earth Ghana

Moderator and Opening Remarks

Nana Agyei Sikapa Ofosu-Manu, Communications Officer, Pure Earth Ghana

Date/Time

Partners/Organization

  • Pure Earth
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health. 
  • Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
  • Ghana Health Service

 

Details

Date:
June 9
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Category:

Organizers

Pure Earth Ghana
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health
Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Ghana Health Service
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