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Elevated environmental lead levels in a day care setting
D N Weismann1, L B Dusdieker, K L Cherryholmes
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Children in day care centers with high environmental lead burdens showed low blood lead levels. Further assessment of home lead exposure risks is recommended alongside lead abatement in day care facilities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Day care centers can pose environmental lead exposure risks to children.
- Assessing lead poisoning risk in children attending these facilities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk of lead poisoning in children attending day care centers with elevated environmental lead.
- To evaluate blood lead levels and associated risk factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted at six university-owned day care centers.
- 155 children were screened for lead exposure risk factors and blood lead levels.
- Environmental samples (paint, dust, soil) were analyzed for lead content.
Main Results:
- All facilities had elevated lead in paint; three had high lead in dust or soil.
- Home environment questionnaires indicated low risk, and observations showed good hygiene.
- Only one of 155 children had an elevated blood lead level (<0.5 µmol/L).
Conclusions:
- Despite high environmental lead, children's blood lead levels were generally low.
- Further investigation into home lead exposure and behaviors is needed.
- Lead abatement in day care centers should be considered alongside comprehensive risk assessment.