Educational Outreach

Dominic Joel Ombati, PhD

According to the United Nations Environmental Program, lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is toxic even at very low exposure levels, with both acute and chronic effects on human health. It is also harmful to plants, animals, and microorganisms in the environment. Lead can originate from human activities (anthropogenic) or from natural sources (geogenic). Lead poisoning occurs when individuals, particularly children, are exposed even to low levels of lead.

Lead poisoning is a serious global health issue, and nearly every county in the United States has a childhood lead poisoning prevention program. Studies conducted in some African countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia have found that some paints sold for home use contain incredibly high levels of lead, reaching up to 470,000 parts per million (ppm). These concentrations are several times higher than the 90 ppm limit recommended by the United Nations for lead in paint.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers of lead poisoning. To raise awareness about this health issue, I (Dominic Joel Ombati, PhD) have developed a digital educational outreach program aimed at populations worldwide who are at higher risk of lead poisoning. This program has garnered over 10,000 followers across 23 countries, including the United States. Many followers come from sub-Saharan Africa, which has experienced the largest documented childhood lead poisoning outbreak.

To my knowledge, this digital educational outreach program is the first of its kind, utilizing a sustainable, self-funded approach to raise awareness about lead poisoning through targeted social media campaigns focused on at-risk populations worldwide.

The outreach is facilitated through a website that connects to a corresponding Facebook page and group. The Facebook page, group, and website provide links to credible information on lead poisoning at no cost. The goal of this outreach is to reach as many people as possible.

Links to credible educational materials on childhood lead (Pb) poisoning (Click on the link).

1. California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB).

2. World Health Organization (WHO), Lead Poisoning.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.

4. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention information page is detailed and helpful. Some of the information it contains include the following: (Click on the link).

1. Primary and secondary lead (Pb) exposure prevention.
2. Sources of lead (Pb) exposure.
3. Health effects of lead (Pb) exposure.
4. Testing children for lead (Pb) poisoning.
5. Blood lead (Pb) levels in children.
6. Populations at higher risk of lead (Pb) poisoning.
7. Frequently asked question about lead (Pb) poisoning.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead (Pb) information page has detailed educational materials. Some of the information it contains include the following: (Click on the link).

1. Basic information about lead (Pb).
2. How to protect your family from lead (Pb).
3. Basic information about lead (Pb) in drinking water.
4. Lead (Pb) air pollution.
5. Pdfs with lead (Pb) safety documents and outreach materials.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) educational pdf materials are one of the best and most comprehensive. Some of the information they contain include the following: (Click on the link).

1. Ways to protect your child from lead (Pb).
2. How to keep a newborn safe from lead (Pb).
3. How to check for lead (Pb) in and around your home.
4. Sources of lead (Pb).
5. How to protect your child from lead (Pb) in paint.
6. How to protect your child from lead (Pb) in dirt.
7. How to identify some ceramics and pottery that may contain lead (Pb).
8. Common folk remedies that contain lead (Pb).
9. How to protect your child from lead (Pb) in jewelry.
10. The need to have your child tested for lead (Pb).
11. How healthy foods can keep your child safe from lead (Pb) poisoning.

World Health Organization (WHO), Lead Poisoning information page includes the following: (Click on the link).

1. Key facts about lead (Pb).
2. Sources of lead (Pb) and how people can be exposed to lead (Pb).
3. Health effects of lead (Pb) in children.