Use of lead-glazed ceramics is the main factor associated to high lead in blood levels in two Mexican rural communities.

Two isolated rural communities of Mexico were studied to assess the possible relationship between lead-glazed ceramics use and lead exposure. Women from these communities (n = 98) were asked to participate by filling out a general-purpose and exposure questionnaire in order to assess the individual contribution of ceramics to lead exposure. Blood samples were withdrawn to measure lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels. Results were analyzed by multiple regression in order to find predictors of the dependent variables. Significant association between lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels was identified with the following variables: storage in lead-glazed ceramics, cooking in lead-glazed ceramics, and meat and cheese consumption. The adjusted regression models explained 20-23% of the variance of the dependent variables (lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin). A significant association (r2 = .38) was observed between lead in blood and lead in food prepared in lead-glazed ceramics in a subsample of 28 women. Results indicate that lead-glazed ceramics use may be the main predictor of lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels in the rural communities studied.