Elevated Blood Lead Levels in a Pregnant Woman and her Family from Traditional Kansa (Bronze) and Pital (Brass) Metalware - New York City, 2024.

Abstract

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause detrimental health effects across all ages. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene receives blood lead results for NYC residents who are tested for lead and routinely conducts investigations to determine sources of lead exposure. In July 2024, blood lead surveillance activities in NYC revealed high levels of lead in traditional kansa (bronze) and pital (brass) metalware from Nepal. Use of these metalware items for preparing and serving food and drinks was associated with blood lead levels above the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists' blood lead reference value of 3.5 μg/dL in a pregnant woman, her spouse, and their child (range = 6-18.7 μg/dL). Clinicians and public health professionals should be aware that traditional metalware from around the world can contain high levels of lead, and when used to prepare or serve food and drinks, can be communal sources of lead exposure.