An interdisciplinary team-based approach for significantly reducing lower-level lead poisoning in U.S. children.

Abstract

Twenty-one families with 49 children, were offered enrollment when at least 1 child in the family was found to have a BLL >2.5µg/dL. Child BLLs, determined by ICPMS, were monitored at 4- to 6-month intervals. Education was tailored to family needs, reinforced through repeated parent engagement, and was followed by home testing reports with detailed case-specific information and recommendations for no-cost/low-cost mitigation. Ninety percent of enrolled families complied with the mitigation program. In most cases, isolated, simple-to-mitigate lead hazard sources were found. Most prevalent were consumer products, found in 69% (11/16) of homes. Lead paint was identified in 56% (9/16) of homes. Generalized linear regression with Test Wave as a random effect showed that children's BLLs decreased significantly following the intervention despite fluctuations. Lower-level lead poisoning can be reduced through an interdisciplinary approach that combines ongoing child BLL monitoring; repeated, one-on-one parent prevention education; and identification and no-cost/low-cost mitigation of home lead hazards. Biannual child BLL monitoring is essential for detecting and responding to changes in child BLLs, particularly in neighborhoods deemed high-risk for child lead poisoning.