Blood Lead Levels in Children and Environmental Lead Contamination in Miami Inner City, Florida

Bibliographic Data

ID15477702
AuthorsJanvier Gasana (0000-0003-3345-2065, Florida International University, corresponding author), WayWay M Hlaing (0000-0001-8303-748X, Florida International University), Kristy A Siegel (Florida International University), Armando Chamorro (Ambient Environmental INC, 425 SW 17th Street, Miami, Florida, USA), Theo Niyonsenga (0000-0002-6723-0316, Florida International University), Theophile Niyonsenga (Florida International University)
Year2006
Volume3
Issue3
Pages228-234
Publication date2006-09-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph2006030027
PMID16968968
OpenAlexW2159013619
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited20

Studies have shown that the environmental conditions of the home are important predictors of health, especially in low-income communities. Understanding the relationship between the environment and health is crucial in the management of certain diseases. One health outcome related to the home environment among urban, minority, and low-income children is childhood lead poisoning. The most common sources of lead exposure for children are lead paint in older, dilapidated housing and contaminated dust and soil produced by accumulated residue of leaded gasoline. Blood lead levels (BLL) as low as 10 microg/dL in children are associated with impaired cognitive function, behavior difficulties, and reduced intelligence. Recently, it is suggested that the standard for intervention be lowered to BLL of 5 microg/dl. The objectives of our report were to assess the prevalence of lead poisoning among children under six years of age and to quantify and test the correlations between BLL in children and lead exposure levels in their environment. This cross-sectional analysis was restricted to 75 children under six years of age who lived in 6 zip code areas of inner city Miami. These locations exhibited unacceptably high levels of lead dust and soil in areas where children live and play. Using the 5 microg/dL as the cutoff point, the prevalence of lead poisoning among the study sample was 13.33%. The study revealed that lead levels in floor dust and window sill samples were positively and significantly correlated with BLL among children (p < 0.05). However, the correlations between BLL and the soil, air, and water samples were not significant. Based on this pilot study, a more comprehensive environmental study in surrounding inner city areas is warranted. Parental education on proper housecleaning techniques may also benefit those living in the high lead-exposed communities of inner city Miami

Biology · Contamination · Environmental health · Lead (geology · Lead exposure · Lead poisoning · Miami · Psychiatry · Chemistry · Environmental Science · Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity · Heavy metals in environment · Medicine · Noise Effects and Management · Ecology · Environmental Chemistry · Internal Medicine

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