Risk communication as a tool to diminish children exposure to lead and arsenic in the polluted area of Villa de la Paz-Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

A risk communication program (RC) focused on children exposed to Pb and As in the mining area of Villa de la Paz-Matehuala, was designed, implemented and evaluated. The RC program was designed and applied to 142 children (5 to 12 years) of the mining area. The evaluation was done by using drawings, questionnaires and biological monitoring of lead in blood (PbB) and urinary arsenic (AsU). The drawings and questionnaires applied to the children and their parents showed learning and change in perception of risk and behavior with regard to contamination. There was a statistical significant decrease in the levels of PbB in most children (p < 0.001), but not in levels of AsU. The program partially reduced Pb exposure change and the people's perception to contamination was changed. This work establishes basis for using this kind of programs in contaminated sites.