ABSTRACT
Abnormal fluoride levels in drinking water have been associated with adverse health effects. To determine the fluoride content of well waters in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, water samples from 50 artisan wells chosen by multistage sampling procedure from the 5 zones of Enugu municipality were analyzed in duplicates for their fluoride content. The zonal mean values were 0.60, 0.70, 0.62, 0.62, and 0.63 mg/L for Abakpa Nike, Achara Layout, Obiagu/ Ogui, Trans Ekulu and Uwani, respectively [p<0.05]. The mean value for the whole city was 0.63 mg/L. Although, the mean level of fluoride recorded in this study is currently within safe limits [1.5 mg/L, WHO 2011], it is important to monitor continuously the fluoride content of well waters in the municipality in view of the increasing industrial activities going on in the city and heavy reliance on well water for domestic purposes and the widespread use of consumer products containing fluoride
ABSTRACT
Lead toxicity has been reported to affect hematopoietic, nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular and urinary tract systems. Many investigators have so far studied the effects of high blood lead levels on pregnancy outcomes. To investigate the effects of elevated maternal blood lead during pregnancy on some trace elements and pregnancy outcomes. Blood lead and plasma copper, iron and zinc were measured in 349 pregnant women with a mean_SD age of 27.0 +/- 4.8 years, and gestational age of 21.8 +/- 3.1 weeks, at recruitment using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded during follow-up and at delivery, respectively. A blood lead level of >10 pg/dL was considered high. Women with elevated blood lead had significantly higher plasma copper and iron and lower plasma zinc than women with low blood lead level [<10 microg/dL]. Blood lead level correlated with maternal hemoglobin concentration [r=-0.1054, p=0.051] and total white blood cell count [r=0.1045, p=0.053]. Hypertension, malaria and low birth weight were significantly higher [p<0.05] in women with elevated blood lead than in those with low blood lead level. Complications of pregnancy may be induced by a high blood lead level possibly through the alterations in trace element metabolism