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Variability in the spatial density of vacant properties contributes to background lead (Pb) exposure in children
Ivan E Castro1, David A Larsen1, Bryce Hruska1
1Department of Public Health, Food Studies, and Nutrition, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA.
Insights
Vacant properties increase children's blood lead levels (BLL). This study links the spatial density of vacant homes to higher lead exposure in children, highlighting a significant public health concern for lead-contaminated dust.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Spatial Epidemiology
Background:
- Elevated blood lead levels (BLL) are linked to cognitive and behavioral issues in children.
- Lead-contaminated dust is a primary exposure source for children in the U.S.
- Even low-level lead exposure poses risks, making identification of background sources critical for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the spatial density of vacant properties and children's blood lead levels.
- To identify potential background sources of lead exposure in urban environments.
Main Methods:
- Assessed blood lead levels in 221 children aged 9-11 in Syracuse, NY.
- Modeled the spatial density of vacant properties using georeferenced data.
- Employed regression models to determine the impact of vacant property density on children's BLL.
Main Results:
- Increased spatial density of vacant properties correlated with higher median blood lead levels in children (b=0.14, p<.001).
- This association remained significant after controlling for demographic factors and housing age.
- Spatial analysis indicated that vacant property density explained previously clustered lead exposure patterns.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to use spatial density modeling to identify a background lead exposure source.
- Deteriorating vacant properties likely contribute to lead-contaminated dust dispersal.
- High-density vacant areas concentrate lead hazards, increasing risk for children.
Background:
Heightened blood lead levels (BLL) are associated with cognitive deficiencies and adverse behavioral outcomes. Lead-contaminated house dust is the primary source of exposure in U.S. children, and evidence suggests that even background (low-level) exposure has negative consequences. Identifying sources of background exposure is of great public health significance because of the larger number of children that can be affected.
Methods:
Blood lead was assessed in a bi-racial sample of children from Syracuse, NY, aged 9-11, using established biomonitoring methods. The spatial density of vacant properties was modelled from publicly available georeferenced datasets. Further, regression models were used to measure the impact of this spatial density variable on children's BLL.
Results:
In a sample of 221 children, with a mean BLL of 1.06 µg/dL (SD = 0.68), results showed increases in spatial density of vacant properties predict increases in median blood-PB levels, b = 0.14 (0.06-0.21), p < .001. This association held true even after accounting for demographic covariates, and age of individual housing. Further analysis showed spatial autocorrelation of the residuals changed from a clustered pattern to a random pattern once the spatial density variable was introduced to the model.
Discussion:
This study is the first to identify a background-lead exposure source using spatial density modelling. As vacant properties deteriorate, lead-contaminated dust likely disperses into the surrounding environment. High-density areas have an accumulation of lead hazards in environmental media, namely soil and dust, putting more children at risk of exposure.
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