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Zinc and Lead Hair Levels in Children Ages 6‐60 Months Living in Three Refugee Camps along the Thailand/Burma Border
Author(s) -
Kemmer Teresa M,
Geisler Karen,
Reeves Philip G
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.873.1
Subject(s) - zinc deficiency (plant disorder) , refugee , zinc , zoology , medicine , demography , chemistry , biology , geography , archaeology , organic chemistry , sociology
Long term subsistence on refugee rations, with minimal amounts of animal protein, put children at increased risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency. In addition, lead (Pb) levels have never been reported in refugee children. The study objectives were to determine 1) the prevalence of Zn deficiency, 2) associations with Zn deficiency and 3) prevalence of elevated Pb levels. Using 2‐stage cluster sampling, hair samples from 377 children ages 6–60 months living in Bon Don Yang, Mae La, and Tham Hin refugee camps were obtained and analyzed. Zinc deficiency was defined as Zn levels <70 μg/g and Zn inadequacy as levels between 70–100 μg/g. A very high Pb level was defined as >25 μg/g. Prevalence of Zn deficiency was 17.9 % and Zn inadequacy was 17.6%. Mean Zn was 136.19±75.95 μg/g. 100% of the children had a very high Pb level (Mean 143.97±35.69 μg/g). By using logistic regression and controlling for age and gender, Zn < 100 μg/g was associated with female gender (P< 0.01), mothers with some education (P< 0.01), lived in camp > 1 yr (P<0.05) and increasing Pb levels (P<0.001). Hair analyses confirmed that the children had a high prevalence of Zn deficiency and extremely high Pb levels. Rations containing adequate Zn are indicated and sources of Pb should be evaluated. A fortified blended food with Zn (10.0 mg/100g) has since been added to the ration; therefore, a second analysis should be conducted to determine the impact of the fortified ration.