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Exposure and Health Risk Assessment of Lead in Communities of Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia

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Abstract

Human beings could be exposed to lead arising from different environmental sources, such as air, water and soil. Tap water, air and soil samples were collected from four quadrants of Jimma town in southwestern Ethiopia. Eighty samples from each environmental source: water, air and soil samples were collected and analyzed for lead concentration. Prediction of the blood lead level and risk characterization was made using integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model and lead risk was calculated using USEPA guideline. Average concentration of lead in water, air and soils were 24.55 ± 10.01, 1.01 ± 0.41 µg/m3, and 220.08 ± 135.95 µg/g respectively. Uptake of lead by children is significantly higher than the adults. The total risk value was 1.41 for children and 0.37 for adults. The finding revealed that children are more at risk than adults.

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Acknowledgments

The Authors are most grateful to Jimma University for the financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Zerihun Getaneh

  2. Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, College of Public Health and Medical Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia

    Seblework Mekonen & Argaw Ambelu

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  1. Zerihun Getaneh
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  2. Seblework Mekonen
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  3. Argaw Ambelu
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Correspondence to Zerihun Getaneh.

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Getaneh, Z., Mekonen, S. & Ambelu, A. Exposure and Health Risk Assessment of Lead in Communities of Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 93, 245–250 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-014-1293-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-014-1293-7

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