Projects

Pure Earth is working with educational institutions to conduct a pilot assessment analyzing levels of lead in metallic cookware and the bioavailability of lead in the food cooked in these pots.  Recent Home-Based Assessments and 25-country Rapid Market Survey (RMS) data both showed a high prevalence of lead in aluminum cookware in homes and marketplaces. Selected institutions are from communities with high BLLs or with a history of ULAB recycling operations. 

The cookware analysis is part of a broader effort of response to the findings of the RMS. But prevalence alone does not tell us much about actual exposures. To better understand real exposure risks, Pure Earth will analyze the leachability of this lead from daily use and apply the findings to future risk mitigation programs.

The project includes supply chain analyses; assessing impact of cookware on food safety and children’s health in school settings; and piloting interventions, i.e., exchanging cookware to mitigate lead exposures; designing methodology and framework for future research to better understand aluminum cookware’s metallurgy and leaching properties; and mitigation strategies for large-scale and artisanal producers.

Objective:

• Determine presence of lead-containing aluminum cookware in educational institutions and potential lead concentrations in prepared food.

Activities:

• Determine the XRF lead level in aluminum cookware used in educational institutions.
• Perform lead analysis on food prepared in cookware with high lead concentrations.
• Identify variables that may affect actual exposure to lead in cookware (age of children, feeding program, number of meals, raw food, etc.)
• Supply chain analysis of aluminum cookware