• 1.38 million children aged 1 to 4 (17.2% of the total population) have lead poisoning in Mexico (blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL) according to the current Official Standard.
• The population experiencing the greatest deprivations, such as living in rural areas, being Indigenous, suffering from chronic malnutrition, facing severe poverty, and using lead-glazed pottery, has a lead poisoning prevalence of 51.5%, nearly 15 times higher than the population with the least deprivation.
Pure Earth Mexico welcomes the recent release of the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2023). This report provides vital information about the health status of Mexicans, highlighting areas that require urgent improvement. However, we are deeply concerned by the results showing alarming levels of lead in the blood of children aged 1 to 4 and pregnant women.
According to the findings, approximately 1.38 million children aged 1 to 4 in Mexico, representing 17.2% of the total population in this age group, have lead poisoning (blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL), exceeding the limits set by the current Mexican Official Standard. The prevalence of lead poisoning is even higher in vulnerable groups: 23.7% in children with greater deprivation, 28.7% in the Indigenous population, and 25.2% in children with chronic malnutrition.
Lead: An Environmental Justice Issue
The results confirm that the primary source of lead exposure in the general population is the use of lead-glazed pottery (LBVPb). The prevalence of poisoning among frequent users of LBVPb is 44.3%, compared to 9.8% among those who do not use it. Accumulated vulnerability factors, such as living in rural areas, belonging to an Indigenous population, suffering from chronic malnutrition, and living in extreme poverty, significantly increase the risk of lead poisoning. In fact, among the population with all these vulnerability factors, the prevalence of lead poisoning reaches 51.5%, nearly 15 times higher than in the population with the least deprivation.
These data are alarming and highlight a serious environmental justice problem. The most vulnerable communities are the hardest hit by lead contamination, underscoring the urgent need for joint action to protect the health and well-being of all Mexicans, especially our children and pregnant women.
Call to Action
Pure Earth Mexico calls on society, government, and the private sector to strengthen efforts and work together to improve public health conditions in the country and save lives. Only through collaboration and commitment from all parties can we reduce lead exposure and its devastating effects on health.
Recommendations to Reduce Lead Poisoning Risks:
- Use lead-free pottery: Promote the use of lead-free alternatives in all households, restaurants, food establishments, etc.
- Increase Surveillance and Regulation: Strengthen regulation and monitoring of compliance with standards that limit the use of lead in industrial products, ensuring adherence to international safety standards.
- Educational and Awareness Campaigns: Implement nationwide educational campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of lead, common sources of exposure, and ways to reduce risk at home and in the community.
- Expanded Access to Blood Lead Testing: Ensure easy and free access to blood lead testing for children and pregnant women, especially in rural areas and vulnerable communities.
- Training Potters in the Use of Lead-Free Materials: Introduce and teach the use of lead-free glazes and techniques, ensuring that the final products are safe for use at home and in food establishments.
- Promote Safe and Sustainable Pottery Practices: Spread production techniques that are safe for artisans and environmentally friendly, reducing exposure to toxic contaminants.
- Strengthening the Cultural and Economic Identity of Pottery Communities: Ensure that products made are of high quality and respect local traditions while meeting public health and safety standards.
Pure Earth Mexico reaffirms its commitment to continue working tirelessly to reduce exposure to lead and other toxic contaminants in Mexico. We urge all stakeholders to join this vital effort to ensure a safer and healthier future for all.
