Elevated blood lead prevalence in Florida two-year-olds

The prevalence of blood lead values of 10 mcg/dl or higher was estimated in Florida two-year-olds in a population-based random sample survey. Subjects were chosen at random from birth certificates of children born in Florida in mid-1991. Parents were interviewed and children's blood specimens obtained in the summer of 1993. Results are based on 387 subjects. Overall prevalence of elevated blood lead was 3.2% (95% confidence limits 2.2, 4.0), with nine children in the range of 10 to 14 mcg/dl and four of 15 or over. In certain subgroups, prevalence was higher: nonwhite 9.4% (2.9, 15.9); mother not married 8.3% (3.1, 13.5); mother on Medicaid 6.7% (2.5, 10.8); housing built in 1978 or before 7.1% (2.3, 11.8); yard dirt or dirt plus grass 10.8% (4.6, 16.9). In Florida, prevalence is much lower than in the nation as a whole. A screening strategy that concentrates on screening Medicaid-eligible children and those living in homes built before 1978 would appear to be quite efficient and may uncover a prevalence of 7.0% or more.