Tribal fishermen in Tamil Nadu suffer dangerous lead exposure, study finds

By Jag Jivan

A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology has revealed alarmingly high levels of toxic metals, particularly lead, among tribal fishermen in the Pichavaram mangrove region of Tamil Nadu.

The research, titled “Elevated blood lead and metal levels among occupationally exposed tribal fishermen in Tamil Nadu, India”, was conducted by Dhananjayan Venugopal, Ravichandran Beerappa, Panjakumar Karunamoorthy, Jawahar Salavath, Mala Ambikabathy, Shridhar Kondhalkar, Gopalakrishnan Ayyaru, and Thamaraikannan Mohankumar.

Analyzing blood samples from 53 fishermen, the researchers found concentrations of chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc that far exceeded international reference values. Of particular concern were the blood lead levels: 74 percent of participants had levels above the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) reference of 5 μg/dL, 55 percent surpassed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) biological exposure index of 20 μg/dL, and 15 percent exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) threshold of 40 μg/dL. Fishnet makers, who directly handle lead-based sinkers, recorded the highest mean blood lead levels at 269 μg/L.

“This study is the first to document blood lead levels among Indian tribal fishermen,” the authors wrote. “Our findings indicate significant occupational exposure to toxic metals, with concentrations notably exceeding international reference values. Immediate interventions, such as promoting personal protective equipment (PPE), stricter regulations, and educational programs, are essential to safeguard this vulnerable population.”

The researchers further warned that the absence of protective measures has exacerbated the risks. “Non-users of PPE exhibited higher metal burdens,” they observed, adding that urgent policy action is required to reduce exposure in one of India’s most marginalized fishing communities.

By highlighting the occupational hazards of lead and metal exposure in the Pichavaram region, the study provides critical evidence for policymakers and public health officials. As the authors concluded, “Tribal fishermen in Pichavaram face significant health risks from elevated toxic trace metal exposure, especially lead. This pioneering study underscores the need for effective public health policies to safeguard fishing communities.”

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