Children and Lead Leading children toward lead prevention

Yvonne Freeman, Ph.D. studentWalden University

PH 8165-3Instructor: Dr. Jeff Wu

Summer, 2009

Overview

o What is Lead?o How children are exposed?o What are the health risks for children

exposed to lead?o Local community statisticso Prevention Strategieso Environmental health approacho Summaryo Questions

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What is Lead?

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Picture source: Microsoft Office Clip Art 2007

o Lead is a naturally occurring bluish gray metal. It is found in small amounts in the earth’s crust.

o Lead can be found in all parts of our environment.

Soil, dust, drinking water, air, food and other products

o Lead ’s many different uses. Production of batteries Ammunition

o Lead past uses Gasoline Paints

Picture Source: webmineral.com/lead4

Exposure sources

Lead contamination is often found in the home

Lead contamination is often found in the home

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Health ImpactChildren exposed to lead can have serious

health problems.

Neurological Physical

Behavior and attention problems GrowthLearning difficulties Blood

cell developmentCognitive losses Kidney

functionPicture Source: Microsoft Office Clip Art 2007

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Statistics

RI statistics for lead and children

Trends from 2005- 2006 lead levels

Database in RI of properties containing lead violations

Overall lead health in RI for children

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RI cities and Towns Incidence of elevated lead levels 2005-

2006

Source: RI Department of Health, CLPPP, LESS Database

City # of childrenfirst time >10BLL

# of childrenScreened with no previous elevated BLL

Incidence

Year 2005Year 2006

Pawtucket 5643

2,7312,761

2.1%1.6%

20052006

Providence

341272

7,5397,439

7.5%3.7%

20052006

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Properties with Multiple Poisonings Public List

The properties contained in this list have been the source of multiple lead poisonings of children, and are not currently lead safe. The listing includes addresses of properties that:

1. are not lead safe (do not have a current Lead Safe Certificate)

2. three (3) or more children lived at the time their blood was tested for lead and at least two (2) of these children were lead poisoned.

Source: RI Department of Health, CLPPP, LESS Database

Providence 60

Pawtucket 10

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Lead health for children in RI

o Rhode Island in 2006 had the 2nd highest percentage of children under the age of 6 with an elevated blood lead level.

o Rhode Island’s rate for lead poisoning was 2.4% in 2006 compared to 1.2% for the U.S.

Rhode Island has more work to do with regard to protecting the children against lead

Source: 2009 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Fact book

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Prevention strategies

How to protect your child/children from lead poisoning.

1. Wash your child’s hands often, especially before he or she eats.

2. Cover peeling or flaking paint with contact paper or duct tape

3. Wash windows, doorways, floors, and dusty areas often with a wet mop or cloth

4. Pick up loose paint chips and throw them away. 5. Have your child play in grassy areas or in a covered sandbox.

Source: RI Department of Health

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Environmental Health Approach for Lead Health

o Identify the population(mainly children)who are at risk for lead poisoning

o Identify and or prevent actual or potential environmental risks for lead poisoning in children

o Guide intervention strategies that involve community based activities

o Improve and encourage policy making at all levels of government

o Track and refine guidelines

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Summary

o Lead is…………….. Naturally occurring element

o Children are exposed by several sources which are…………………. Water, soil, paint, and toys

o The health impact of lead exposure for children are………………… Both physical and neurological

o RI is ranked ………. 12th in the nation for elevated BLL in children

o Prevention strategies include…….. Hand washing, awareness of chipped paint, disposing of chipped paint, and recognizing all exposure sources to prevent your child from being exposed. And in R.I. there is a posting for apartments that have been found not to be lead safe so this is also a source for prevention.

o Environmental health approach are…….multifaceted and involve strategies targeted towards identification of the population at risk, public policy and tracking.

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For more information/resources on

lead healthWebsite: o Childhood Lead Action Project www.leadsafekids.orgo Help Lead Safe Center ( focus for landlords)www.leadsaferi.com

o RI Childhood Lead Poisoning Control Programwww. health.ri.gov/lead

Phone:o The HEALTH Information Line ( for any lead related questions for RI residents)1-800-942-7434

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References

Lead mineral photohttp://www.webmineral.com/specimen

Microsoft office clip art (2007)Microsoft Office Power Point Presentation

Rhode Island Department of Health Lead Programhttp://www.health.ri.gov

Rhode Island Department of Health Lead Programhttp://www.health.ri.gov/lead/data.php

Rhode Island Kids Count(2009) Rhode Island Kids Count Fact book http://www.rikidscount.org

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Questions

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Picture Source: Microsoft Office Clip Art 2007