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Background <p>So far there is no reference value for lead (Pb) established for the not occupationally exposed Ghanaian population. This is of special interest and will enable interpretation of data from high-risk areas like the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite. The study suggests preliminary reference values for populations in Southern and Western Ghana.</p> Material and methods <p>Blood specimens from non-exposed population were obtained in three key regions (Ashanti-Offinso, Western-Eikwe and Greater Accra-Accra). Three age groups were evaluated (15–24, 25–34, &gt; 34&#xa0;years). Individual habits (nutrition, occupation etc.) were documented using a standardized questionnaire. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used for Pb analysis.</p> Results <p>There was a total of 292 participants (Offinso = 124, Eikwe = 130, Accra = 38). The total mean Pb blood concentration of the Southern Ghanaian population was 43.3&#xa0;µg/l ± 17.7, with a mean of 48.3&#xa0;µg/l ± 17.2 for men and a mean of 38.1&#xa0;µg/l ± 16.8 for women (P = .2.93<sup>–10</sup>). This value is twice as high as the mean Pb level among Germans, and higher than in most European countries. The 95th percentile for the total collective in Ghana was 81&#xa0;µg/l and 76&#xa0;µg/l for men and women, respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>Based on the 95th percentile of the non-exposed population &gt; 25&#xa0;years data suggest a preliminary reference value for Pb in Ghana of 81&#xa0;µg/l for men and of 76&#xa0;µg/l for women. Since environmental load decreases with increasing distance when unleaded fuel became standard this should be re-evaluated in about 10&#xa0;years. Future studies should include the eastern and northern regions of Ghana and the analysis of soil for its Pb content as environmental factor.</p>

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Assessment of blood lead reference values for the Southern Ghanaian population against the background of international recommendations

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月4日

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  • Linda Consoir,
  • John Arko-Mensah,
  • Jens Bertram,
  • Julius N. Fobil,
  • Nicole Heussen,
  • Thomas Schettgen,
  • Margot Lakemeyer,
  • Travis Heggie,
  • Thomas Küpper

摘要

Background

So far there is no reference value for lead (Pb) established for the not occupationally exposed Ghanaian population. This is of special interest and will enable interpretation of data from high-risk areas like the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite. The study suggests preliminary reference values for populations in Southern and Western Ghana.

Material and methods

Blood specimens from non-exposed population were obtained in three key regions (Ashanti-Offinso, Western-Eikwe and Greater Accra-Accra). Three age groups were evaluated (15–24, 25–34, > 34 years). Individual habits (nutrition, occupation etc.) were documented using a standardized questionnaire. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used for Pb analysis.

Results

There was a total of 292 participants (Offinso = 124, Eikwe = 130, Accra = 38). The total mean Pb blood concentration of the Southern Ghanaian population was 43.3 µg/l ± 17.7, with a mean of 48.3 µg/l ± 17.2 for men and a mean of 38.1 µg/l ± 16.8 for women (P = .2.93–10). This value is twice as high as the mean Pb level among Germans, and higher than in most European countries. The 95th percentile for the total collective in Ghana was 81 µg/l and 76 µg/l for men and women, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the 95th percentile of the non-exposed population > 25 years data suggest a preliminary reference value for Pb in Ghana of 81 µg/l for men and of 76 µg/l for women. Since environmental load decreases with increasing distance when unleaded fuel became standard this should be re-evaluated in about 10 years. Future studies should include the eastern and northern regions of Ghana and the analysis of soil for its Pb content as environmental factor.