Community-based screening for childhood lead poisoning. Identification of risk factors and susceptible populations in...

The purpose of this matched case-controlled study was to identify local risk factors and susceptible populations for childhood lead poisoning in Duluth, Minnesota. We mailed questionnaires to the parents of 20 children with known elevated capillary lead levels > or = 10 micrograms/dL; 76 age-matched controls had capillary lead levels < 10 micrograms/dL. The study identified these risk factors for elevated capillary lead levels in children: not attending daycare, having nonwhite parents, living in rental property in central Duluth, and moving with family three or more times in the previous five years. We conclude that these risk factors are related to socioeconomics. Minority children and children living in poverty in the Duluth area should be screened for lead poisoning according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention screening guidelines for high-risk lead exposure.