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Lead Risks and Prevention: Evidence from Ivory Coast

Author

Listed:
  • Veronique Gille

    (IRD, UMR LEDa, PSL, Universite Paris-Dauphine, France)

  • Flore Gubert

    (IRD, UMR LEDa, PSL, Universite Paris-Dauphine, France)

  • Camille Saint-Macary

    (IRD, UMR LEDa, PSL, Universite Paris-Dauphine, France)

  • Stéphanie Dos Santos

    (LPED (IRD/AMU), Centre Saint-Charles, Marseille, France)

  • Franck Houffoue

    (Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

  • Hugues Kouadio

    (Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

  • Epiphane Marahoua

    (Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

  • Petanki Soro

    (UFR of Earth Sciences and Mineral Resources, University Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast)

  • Alexander van Geen

    (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA)

Abstract

Lead (Pb) exposure is a major global health concern, particularly for young children, yet awareness of the risks is low. Pb-based paint remains a significant source of exposure in many low- and middle-income countries, despite existing regulations. We investigate whether personalized information on lead in paint can increase awareness and encourage preventive behaviors. As part of a pilot study in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, painted surfaces in 200 pregnant women’s homes were tested using a low-cost Pb detection kit, followed by confirmatory testing with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device. Women whose homes tested positive for Pb were 34 percentage points more likely to acknowledge their exposure risk. This increased awareness led to self-reported behavioral changes among mothers of young children, including a higher likelihood of preventing children from ingesting paint chips and washing their hands more frequently. However, we find no impact on home-cleaning or renovation behaviors. Our findings highlight the potential of personalized information to drive behavioral change in environmental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronique Gille & Flore Gubert & Camille Saint-Macary & Stéphanie Dos Santos & Franck Houffoue & Hugues Kouadio & Epiphane Marahoua & Petanki Soro & Alexander van Geen, 2025. "Lead Risks and Prevention: Evidence from Ivory Coast," Working Papers DT/2025/04, DIAL (Développement, Institutions et Mondialisation).
    • Handle: RePEc:dia:wpaper:dt202504
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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