Biol Trace Elem Res. 2026 Jun 15. doi: 10.1007/s12011-026-05175-6. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lead exposure remains a critical global health liability, with Nigeria facing unique challenges driven by artisanal mining and informal industrial activities. This systematic review consolidates evidence on lead's environmental burden, human exposure pathways, and multi-system health outcomes in Nigeria to support the 2025-2030 elimination agenda.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies published up to March 2026. Eligibility focused on lead contamination in Nigerian human populations and environmental media (soil, water, air, food).
RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (2004-2026) were included. Findings reveal extreme soil (up to 185,000 ppm) and water (179x WHO limits) contamination in northern artisanal mining zones, notably the 2010 Zamfara outbreak which caused 400-500 child deaths. In urban centers, 70-100% of occupationally exposed artisans (mechanics, battery technicians) exhibit blood lead levels (BLL) ≥ 5 µg/dL. Documented health consequences span neurological (encephalopathy, convulsions), renal (chronic kidney disease staging), hematological (anemia), endocrine (thyroid dysfunction), and cardiovascular systems.
CONCLUSION: Lead exposure in Nigeria is a chronic, multi-dimensional crisis. While acute mortality is concentrated in mining regions, diffuse contamination of food chains and urban dust poses widespread risks. Addressing this requires strengthening the 2025 national strategic plan through enhanced BLL surveillance, enforcement of lead-paint bans, and formalizing the informal industrial sector.
PMID:42295705 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-026-05175-6