Lead poisoning epidemics refer to instances of mass lead poisoning, and usually occur unintentionally in low income countries. Lead recycling is a common cause of a poisoning epidemic, and it is commonplace and sometimes the only means of providing sustenance in poorer countries. The lack of immediate and obvious health effects often result in people taking excessive risks and few precautions when handling lead. These events can also cause disproportionate childhood fatalities, when levels of toxins become fatal in lower concentrations in children compared with adults.
Notable poisoning events
This list does not include episodes of fewer that 100 people affected, nor does it include individual lead paint poisoning cases, nor those caused by eating contaminated food or water. The cases below are discrete events of mass lead poisonings.
| Name of Event | Year | Region | Country | City | # Tested high* | # deaths | Source of Lead Exposure | References | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dong Mai | 2015 | SE Asia | Vietnam | Dong Mai | 102 | 0 | Auto Battery Recycling | ref | ongoing |
| El Paso/Juarez | 1974 | N.Amer | USA/Mexico | El Paso, Texas | 391 | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | plant closed |
| Fiengxiang | 2009 | Asia | China | Shanxi | 615 | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | comment |
| Hunan | 2008 | Asia | China | Hunan | 1354 | 0 | Manganese Factory | ref | comment |
| Jiyuan | ? | Asia | China | Jiyuan | 1000 | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | 99.7% of children poisoned |
| Doe Run | 2004 | S.Amer | Peru | La Oroya | 100's | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | plant closed |
| Michoacan | 2009? | C.Amer | Mexico | Michoacan | 311 | 0 | Lead glazed Pottery | ref | ongoing |
| Santo Amaro | 1985 | S.Amer | Brazil | Bahia | 555 | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | comment |
| Thiaroye Sur Mer | 2008 | Africa | Senegal | Dakar | 150+ | 18 | Auto Battery Recycling | ref | closed |
| Torreon | 2000 | C.Amer | Mexico | Torreon | 11181 | 0 | Lead Smelter | ref | comment |
| Zamfara | 2010 | Africa | Nigeria | Zamfara | 1000+ | 163-400 | Lead mining / ASGM | ref | ongoing |
| Kabwe | 2013 | Africa | Zambia | Kabwe | 1000+ | 0 | Lead mining and smelter | ref | comment |
- number tested high is defined as a blood lead level greater than or equal to 10 micrograms per deciliter whole blood (ug/dl)