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Lead poisoning among refugee children resettled in Massachusetts, 1995 to 1999

P L Geltman1, M J Brown, J Cochran

  • 1Refugee and Immigrant Health Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Pediatrics
|July 4, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated blood lead (BPb) levels were found in over 11% of newly arrived refugee children, with those from developing nations at highest risk. Follow-up testing is crucial as some children developed elevated BPb after arrival.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Lead poisoning is a documented concern in US immigrant and refugee populations.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and risk factors of elevated blood lead (BPb) in newly arrived refugee children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of elevated BPb levels in recently arrived refugee children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with elevated BPb in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of BPb levels in refugee children under 7 years old arriving in Massachusetts (1995-1999).
  • Examined predictors including gender, age, birthplace, testing time, parasitic infections, anemia, and growth retardation.

Main Results:

  • 11.3% of 693 children had BPb levels ≥10 µg/dL upon arrival.
  • Children from developing countries, particularly Somalis and Vietnamese (27%), showed the highest prevalence.
  • Country of birth was the strongest predictor; no age association found.

Conclusions:

  • Recently arrived refugee children exhibit a higher prevalence of elevated BPb compared to US-born children.
  • Children from developing countries are at significant risk due to environmental exposures.
  • A notable percentage acquired elevated BPb post-arrival, highlighting the need for follow-up testing and considering refugee status a risk factor.
Abstract

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