Tool 3: Assessing Environmental Lead Exposure in Resource-Constrained Settings
The purpose of this tool is to familiarize readers with key concepts of lead (Pb) risk assessment as the basis for developing and carrying out investigations in resource-constrained settings where children have been found to have elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). This tool is organized sequentially, proceeding from background research to design and execution and finally to interpretation and communication of results. It also includes supporting information in the form of technical annexes on sampling methods and the estimation of BLLs, and case studies in the main text to illuminate key concepts.
This is Tool 3 of a total of 12 in the Toolkit to End Childhood Lead Poisoning that cover various topics related to lead poisoning. Together the tools form a complete primer on identifying, assessing and mitigating childhood lead exposure. The toolkit does not itself constitute adequate guidance for the development and implementation of such programmes. Rather, key considerations are outlined and a preliminary list of possible actions is presented.
Further guidance should be sought from experienced organizations or experts, including local authorities, before designing or executing the work described.
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