In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), human intoxication to
lead is considered as an important public health issue. In Port-au-Prince,
concentrations of lead ranging from 40 µg/L to 90 µg/L, greater than the
threshold value (10 µg/L) for drinking water, were measured in groundwater
and drinking water. This study aims to assess human health risks generated by
exposure to lead in the Port-au-Prince water supply. Two sampling campaigns
were performed between April 2004 and December 2004 on different structures
of the public water supply. A significant lead concentration of 250 µg/L,
greater than the threshold value, had been detected in a water tank. Risk of
deterioration of the psychological development of children exposed to these
waters was calculated. These results require monitoring in order to control the
human health risk by lead in Port-au-Prince’s drinking water.