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Targeted screening for childhood lead exposure in a low prevalence area--Salt Lake County, Utah, 1995-1996
Insights
In Salt Lake County, Utah, targeted blood lead level screenings at WIC clinics identified children at high risk for lead exposure. This initiative increased appropriate screenings, addressing localized childhood lead poisoning risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- An estimated 930,000 U.S. children under 6 had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) between 1991-1994.
- Risk factors for elevated BLLs include race/ethnicity, low income, urban living, and pre-1946 housing.
- Lead exposure risk varies significantly across small geographic areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the local prevalence and distribution of childhood lead exposure in Salt Lake County.
- To develop targeted local blood lead screening recommendations.
- To increase appropriate BLL screenings among at-risk children.
Main Methods:
- The Salt Lake City-County Health Department (SLCCHD) offered free blood lead screenings.
- Screenings were conducted for children aged 12-36 months enrolled in WIC clinics.
- Data were collected from January to October 1995.
Main Results:
- Findings from WIC clinic screenings are presented.
- The study describes the design and promotion of local targeted screening recommendations.
- The initiative resulted in increased appropriate BLL screenings among children.
Conclusions:
- Targeted screening at WIC clinics effectively identified children at risk for elevated BLLs.
- Local screening recommendations improved the appropriateness of BLL testing.
- This approach can be used to address localized childhood lead exposure.
Abstract:
During 1991-1994, an estimated 930,000 U.S. children aged < 6 years had blood lead levels (BLLs) > or = 10 micrograms/dL, and the risk for an elevated BLL was greatest among children who were non-Hispanic black or Mexican American, from low-income families, living in large metropolitan areas, or living in housing built before 1946. Because risk for lead exposure is associated with several different factors, it can vary greatly across relatively small areas. To establish the local prevalence and distribution of childhood lead exposure and develop local blood lead screening recommendations, the Salt Lake City-County Health Department (SLCCHD) offered free blood lead screening to all children aged 12-36 months enrolled at the seven Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in Salt Lake County, Utah (1995 population: 812,000), during January-October 1995. This report presents findings of the screenings at WIC clinics, describes the design and promotion of local targeted screening recommendations, and describes the resulting increases in appropriate BLL screenings among children.