Investigating aluminum cookpots as a source of lead exposure in Afghan refugee children resettled in the United States

Afghan refugee children resettled in Washington State exhibit a high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). This study investigated aluminum cookpots, frequently brought from Afghanistan, as a potential source of lead exposure. Analysis revealed high lead content in many pots, with significant lead leaching under simulated cooking conditions exceeding recommended dietary limits. Stainless steel cookpots served as a safer alternative, demonstrating much lower lead leaching. The findings highlight a previously unrecognized source of lead exposure impacting both refugee and non-refugee populations.

Katie M. Fellows, Shar Samy, Yoni Rodriguez, Stephen G. Whittaker