The impact of lead pollution on the environment of Rabat-Sale' (Morocco)

There are numerous possible vectors of industrial lead poisoning in unprotected work environments and the areas surrounding industrial sites. In the Rabat-Salé region, ceramics is the industry which uses most lead. Galena (PbS) is used in the fabrication of some types of pottery, and other lead-based compounds are used as glaze. A second source of lead pollution is the production of some fuels, in which lead is used as an anti detonator. In order to evaluate the impact of lead contamination on the environment, our investigation is focused on the lead concentration in the atmosphere, soil and vegetation at five stations in the Rabat-Salé region. We found concentrations of lead higher than those published for any other country in the atmosphere and vegetation near the ceramics factories of Rabat-Salé. These concentrations decreased significantly as we moved away from urban areas.