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Blood lead levels of refugee children resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007.

ABSTRACT: We described elevated blood lead level (BLL; ? 10 ?g/dL) prevalence among newly arrived refugee children in Massachusetts. We also investigated the incidence of BLL increases and BLLs newly elevated to 20 ?g/dL or higher in the year following initial testing, along with associated factors.We merged data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Refugee and Immigrant Health Program and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program on 1148 refugee children younger than 7 years who arrived in Massachusetts from 2000 to 2007.Elevated BLL prevalence was 16% among newly arrived refugee children. The rate ratio for BLL elevation to 20 ?g/dL or higher after arrival was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2, 24.5) compared with children in communities the state defines as high-risk for childhood lead exposure. Residence in a census tract with older housing (median year built before 1950) was associated with a higher rate of BLL increases after resettlement (hazard ratio = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.3).Refugee children are at high risk of lead exposure before and after resettlement in Massachusetts. A national surveillance system of refugee children's BLLs following resettlement would allow more in-depth analysis.

SUBMITTER: Eisenberg KW

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3000732 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Blood lead levels of refugee children resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007.

Eisenberg Katherine W KW van Wijngaarden Edwin E Fisher Susan G SG Korfmacher Katrina S KS Campbell James R JR Fernandez I Diana ID Cochran Jennifer J Geltman Paul L PL

American journal of public health 20101118 1

<h4>Objectives</h4>We described elevated blood lead level (BLL; ≥ 10 μg/dL) prevalence among newly arrived refugee children in Massachusetts. We also investigated the incidence of BLL increases and BLLs newly elevated to 20 μg/dL or higher in the year following initial testing, along with associated factors.<h4>Methods</h4>We merged data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Refugee and Immigrant Health Program and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program on 1148 refugee ch ...[more]

PMID: 21088268

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Project description:Background:Lead can cause significant biological and neurologic damage, even at small concentrations, and young children are at higher risk. Informal recycling of lead batteries and lead-based workshops/industries have increased the burden of lead toxicity in developing countries, including India. Many informal recycling lead battery workshops have been established by the local people of Patna, Bihar as self-employment opportunities. However, most of the residents are not aware of the risk factors associated with lead poisoning. Objectives:The present pilot study aimed to assess blood lead levels (BLLs) and hemoglobin levels among children aged between 3 to 12 years in the settlement of Karmalichak near Patna, India. Materials and Methods:Children residing near the informal lead battery manufacturing unit were selected for BLL assessment. A total of 41 children were enrolled in the questionnairebased survey. Results:All the children in the present study had detectable lead concentrations in their blood. Only 9% of the studied children had a BLL ?5 ?g/dl, while 91% children had a BLL above >5 ?g/dl. Conclusions:The present study carried out in children of Karmalichak region of Patna, India was an attempt to better understand the problem of lead toxicity, describe the epidemiology of its adverse effects, identify sources and routes of exposure, illustrate the clinical effects and develop strategies of prevention so that remedial measures may be taken by government agencies and regulatory bodies. In view of the high lead levels in children in the study area, attempts are being made to develop strategies for future prevention by relocating the informal battery recycling workshops from the area. Moreover, parents have been advised to increase nutritional supplementation of children by providing calcium-, iron- and zinc-rich foods, including milk and vegetables. Participant Consent:Obtained. Ethical Approval:The study was approved by the ethical committee of Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow (India). Competing Interests:The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Dataset Information

Blood lead levels of refugee children resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007.

Publications

Blood lead levels of refugee children resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007.

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