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Lead poisoning among Burmese refugee children--Indiana, 2009

Matthew D Ritchey1, Marissa Scalia Sucosky, Taran Jefferies

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. mritchey@isdh.in.gov

Clinical Pediatrics
|March 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Routine screening found elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in Burmese refugee children in Indiana. Traditional remedies like Daw Tway and cosmetics like thanakha were identified as significant lead exposure sources.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • Routine screening identified unexplained lead poisoning cases in children of Burmese refugees in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • This prompted an investigation into the prevalence and sources of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) within this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of elevated BLLs among Burmese children in Fort Wayne.
  • To identify potential environmental and product-related sources contributing to lead exposure in this community.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Cases were defined by elevated venous blood lead levels (≥10 µg/dL).
  • Environmental and product samples were analyzed for lead content, and statistical models were used to identify exposure sources.

Main Results:

  • 14 out of 197 (7.1%) children exhibited elevated BLLs, significantly higher than the state average (prevalence ratio: 10.7).
  • Lead levels ranged from 10.2 to 29.0 µg/dL, with six new cases identified.
  • A traditional digestive remedy, Daw Tway, contained a median of 520 ppm lead, and its use, along with the cosmetic thanakha, was linked to elevated BLLs.

Conclusions:

  • Traditional ethnic products, specifically Daw Tway and thanakha, are significant sources of lead exposure for Burmese refugee children.
  • Continued routine monitoring of BLLs in this population is crucial for early detection and prevention of lead poisoning.

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