Blood Lead Levels Among Children Aged <6 Years - Flint, Michigan, 2013-2016

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Health
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Flint, Michigan, experienced a drinking water crisis from April 2014 to October 2015.
• A switch to the Flint Water System (FWS) sourced from the Flint River, without corrosion control, led to elevated lead levels in tap water.
• This change exposed approximately 99,000 residents to potential health risks associated with lead exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of contaminated drinking water on blood lead levels (BLLs) in children under 6 years old.
• To determine the change in the probability of elevated BLLs (≥5 µg/dL) before, during, and after the water source switch.
• To inform public health interventions for lead exposure in children.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of blood lead level data from 9,422 children aged <6 years in Flint.
• Comparison of BLLs ≥5 µg/dL distribution across three periods: before, during, and after the water source switch.
• Statistical adjustment to determine the odds of elevated BLLs in relation to the water source change and advisory.

Main Results:

• Overall, 3.0% (284 of 9,422) of children tested had BLLs ≥5 µg/dL between April 2013 and March 2016.
• The adjusted probability of elevated BLLs was 46% higher after the switch to FWS (before the January 2015 advisory) compared to the period before the switch.
• A water advisory issued in January 2015 likely reduced tap water consumption.

Conclusions:

• The switch to the Flint River as a water source significantly increased the probability of elevated blood lead levels in young children.
• Public health interventions and monitoring are crucial following water system changes that compromise water quality.
• Understanding exposure patterns is vital for mitigating lead's adverse health effects in vulnerable populations.