Table 3 Participants' attitudes and practices about lead exposure in Ibadan, Nigeria 2004

Have you ever tested the lead level in your domestic environment? If yes why did you do the test?

• No

What are the reasons you might do a lead level test?

• If is going to be beneficial

• To be educated about lead

• I do not want to be at risk

• For financial benefit

What are the reasons you might not allow a lead level test to be carried out in your environment?

• Because lead is dangerous

• Because I think it will be harmful

• For security reasons

What impact do you think lead or lead poisoning have on health?

• We do not know

• It causes abdominal pain

• It makes people pale

• It shortens life

• It affects any body organ

• It affects breathing

• It affects intelligence

• It affects productivity

How can we reduce the risks of lead exposure?

• NAFDAC (monitoring body for food and drug production in Nigeria) should monitor lead in the production processes

• Nothing can be done about it

• By enlightenment through research and information

• Through public awareness

• Throw away all used batteries

• Painters should cover their nostrils when painting

• Government should sponsor and encourage lead research

• Government should ban importation on used vehicles