| Author | Sharma, Kamala |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-96-16 |
| Subject(s) | Lead--Toxicology--Philippines--Manila
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The thesis reports the results of a study conducted in Makati area of Metro Manila city
during the months of December through April 1996. The study evaluated the significance of
playground soil lead intake to the total daily lead burden in pre-school children. Lead
concentration were measured in residential playground soils, food, water and air samples by
atomic absorption spectrometer and the data were used to draw conclusions.
All the playgrounds soils were contaminated with lead levels ranging from minimum of
34.54 μg/g to a maximum of 283.13 μg/g. in comparison to the naturally occurring lead level of
15 μg/g in soils. These results are similar to studies done in developing countries (Ho, 1988;
Wong, 1982).
Multiple logarithmic regression analysis between the logarithmic concentration of lead
in soil samples and the logarithmic traffic volume and distance from the nearest main road of
the sites revealed that two were positively related even through the relationship was weak.
Thus indicating that motor vehicle form a major source of lead in the playground soil.
Results showed that both soil and food contained elevated level of lead. The
information as well as the amounts of these foods in hypothetical diets for pre-school children
of Metro Manila was used to calculate the total dietary intake of lead. The average total daily
intake of lead from all sources show that: food = 83%; water = 6%; soil = 4%; air = 7%.
It was concluded from the study that ingestion of 25 mg/day of soil contributed 4% to
of the total lead intake per day by children exposed to the study sites. Thus is a significant
contribution of playground soil to the total lead burden in the pre-school children and the level
of significance increases depending on the amount of "mouth to pica activity".
The estimation of lead in hair gives useful indication of ingestion exposure measure to
lead over the previous few months. From the total sampled population fifty percent of the
children were above the ideal recommended concentration (25 μg/g). The over burden of lead
in the body of the children will increase the vulnerability of children to lead related disorders ,
specially decrease in IQ level.
A preliminary cost and benefit analysis was conducted through using a "willingness to
pay" questionnaire. Also through secondary data analysis showed that there is combined
benefits from all categories that were monetized yields an estimate of approximately PHP 633
million/year (USD24,346, 153 .85) as benefits due to reducing lead concentration in the
environment. |
| Year | 1996 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Reutergardh, Lars B.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chongrak Polprasert;Remigo, Amador A.;Heredia , J.B.; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1996 |