Lead poisoning and traditional practices: The consequences for world health. A study in Kuwait

The extensive use of lead as a fallacious materia medica in certain cultural customs is presenting a serious risk to health for a large section of the world's population. Data obtained in Kuwait exemplifies the problem. Four case-histories of paediatric patients are presented. These illustrate specific aspects of the clinical manifestations associated with lead poisoning from the use of the traditional preparation, Al Kohl, and practice, Bokhoor, in Kuwait. The lead analyses of 13 such materials are reported; nine of the samples being obtained from the parents of children exhibiting symptoms of plumbism. From examinations of a further 51 patients a maximum "safe" blood lead level for very young infants of 0·48 μmol/l (10 μg/dl) is deduced. In addition preliminary evidence is presented which supports the hypothesis that in neonates lead affects the synaptic inhibitor gamma amino butyric acid. (G.A.B.A.). © 1981 The Society of Community Medicine.