By Anmol Motwani | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Thu, 12/05/2024 - 09:33
A recent study by Mexico's National Institute of Public Health (INSP) reveals the severe cognitive and economic toll of lead exposure on Mexican children, particularly those in vulnerable populations. The research highlights the loss of 4.14 IQ points on average per affected child, with some losing up to 6.42 points, resulting in an estimated lifetime income loss of US$$33 billion, equivalent to 2.76% of Mexico’s 2019 GDP.
Lead exposure affects approximately 1.38 million children aged 1 to 4 in Mexico, representing 17.2% of this age group. The issue is particularly acute in states with lower development indices, such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla. These regions face economic losses equivalent to 7.08%, 5.11%, 4.49%, and 4.92% of their respective GDPs, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. The study explains that this exposure results in diminished cognitive abilities, which directly impacts children's educational performance and skill acquisition. Consequently, lower educational attainment leads to reduced job opportunities and productivity in adulthood, ultimately resulting in lower wages and lifetime earnings.
The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), identifies lead-glazed pottery as the primary source of exposure. Widely used in rural and indigenous communities, this traditional practice accounts for an alarming 51.5% prevalence of lead poisoning among high-risk groups, nearly 15 times higher than in populations that do not use such pottery. These figures underscore how cultural practices, combined with poverty and limited healthcare access, perpetuate health risks and economic inequality.
The use of lead-glazed pottery, while culturally significant, poses hidden dangers. According to Pure Earth, artisans apply lead-based glazes to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal, but these glazes contaminate food and water stored in the pottery or release toxic particles into the air. This exposure has devastating health effects, especially for children, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other serious conditions.
Martha María Téllez, INSP Researcher, emphasized the broader implications of these findings: “The damage caused by lead exposure, especially in cognitive capacity, is well-documented, but this study expands our understanding of the social and economic effects.” José Luis Figueroa, Health economist , INSP added, “Lead exposure perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits economic mobility by hindering children's cognitive development.”
Children with higher blood lead levels face a 12.8% reduction in lifetime earnings, compared to an 8.3% average for all affected children, states the report. These losses represent not only individual setbacks but also a nationwide challenge that threatens long-term growth and equity.
The study advocates urgent public policy measures to mitigate these effects. Key recommendations include replacing lead-based glazes in pottery, establishing an epidemiological surveillance system for lead poisoning, and launching nationwide awareness campaigns targeting high-risk populations. These interventions are vital to reducing the health and economic burden on affected communities.
https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/economic-cognitive-toll-lead-exposure-children
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