In Search of Preventive Measures for Reducing Lead Exposure in Children Who Live in Lead Smelter and Mining Communities

摘要

Environmental lead exposure even at low levels may result in persistent, long-term neuro-developmental adverse effects in young children. Extensive literature has demonstrated childhood lead exposure results in a decrease in intelligence quotient (IQ) points. There is no known safe blood lead level (BLL) and poor outcomes are associated with BLLs as low as 1-2 μg/dL. In communities adjacent to active smelters or mines, such as Trail, British Columbia, a continuous source of environmental lead exposure exists and implementation of preventive measures is vital. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies and preventive measures utilized in communities adjacent to mining or smelter operations to mitigate environmental lead contamination. We conducted a literature review and summarized our findings in a report using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. We compared the type of proposed interventions in the scientific literature with the current interventions already implemented in Trail. Then based on considerations surrounding the effectiveness of each intervention, we proposed additional interventions to complement current efforts in Trail. In communities with active lead smelter and mining operations, stack and fugitive emission reductions via governmental policy changes, technology advancement or plant closure have far superior outcomes compared to other preventive measures. Multifactorial approaches are also necessary to manage ongoing lead exposure. In Trail, fugitive dust emissions are identified as the primary source of environmental lead contamination. With significant collaborative efforts in recent years, a multitude of measures have been implemented in Trail, to minimize potential risk of ongoing contamination. We hope our findings will help this collaborative effort to further enhance interventions and take into consideration other possible approaches proposed in our report.