Awareness on Lead Poisoning among College Students
M. V. Shreejha
Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, India.
V. Vishnu Priya *
Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, India.
R. Gayathri
Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal. Chronic exposure to lead levels is responsible for significant health effects, particularly in children. Prevention remains the best option for reducing childhood lead exposure, however the knowledge, attitudes and practices to lead exposure is mainly in developing countries. The aim of this study is to create awareness on lead poisoning among college students. A questionnaire survey was conducted among college students through an online survey planet link. A total of 165 students have responded to the survey, a validated questionnaire consists of 20 questions distributed to assess their knowledge and awareness on lead poisoning among the college students. 67% of the participants were aware of lead poisoning and 33% not aware of it. 60% of the participants agreed that water contains lead. The responses have been taken and results were statistically analysed. Seminars and workshops may be conducted to create awareness on the risk factors of lead poisoning in the community.
Keywords: Lead poisoning, survey planet, college students, online survey