Game meat consumption is associated with increased blood lead levels in children in northern Argentina

Lead (Pb) exposure poses significant health risks, particularly to children, who are highly susceptible to its neurotoxic effects. This study investigated the game meat consumption habits of children in a rural community in northern Argentina, where hunting with Pb ammunition is common, and assessed its potential links to blood Pb levels. Questionnaire surveys of adult caregivers of 276 children (from 182 households) revealed that 82% of children had consumed game meat in the preceding three months. The most frequently consumed species reported were: duck (Anatidae, 77%), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, 51%), nutria (Myocastor coypus, 46%), armadillo (Dasypodidae, 19%), caiman (Alligatoridae, 16%), hare (Leporidae, 11%), vizcacha (Chinchillidae, 13%), and other species (13%). Measures to reduce Pb ingestion included searching for and removing projectiles (reported for 65% of children) and removing projectile-damaged meat (58%). Blood samples were obtained from a subset of 101 children, and revealed that 51.5% had blood Pb levels exceeding the reference threshold (3.5 μg/dL). Children who had consumed game meat in the preceding three months had significantly higher blood Pb levels (mean ± SD = 4.65 ± 5.53 μg/dL, maximum = 27.6 μg/dL) than children who had not (0.62 ± 1.45 μg/dL, maximum = 4.0 μg/dL). Consumption of game meat from certain species (duck and capybara) and body parts (especially whole carcass) and in certain types of preparation (stew) were associated with greater risk for above-reference blood Pb levels, whereas removing projectile-damaged meat and other types of preparation (empanada) provided some modest protection. These findings highlight game meat consumption as a critical Pb exposure pathway in this region, underscoring the need for public health interventions, including education on Pb risks and promotion of non-Pb ammunition.