Assessing Children's Lead Exposure in a Colorado Neighborhood near a Historic Smelter

摘要

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to identify lead exposure in Pueblo, CO, where a historic smelter left lead contaminated soil and a slag pile in residential areas, and to convey the results to the community, local government, state and federal environmental health agencies, and area primary care providers. Methods: After obtaining consent/assent, we administered an in-person questionnaire and tested venous blood lead levels (BLLs) in 135 participants, including children <6 years, women who were pregnant, and women of childbearing age (without occupational lead exposure) residing within 0.5 miles of the historic smelter and slag pile. Results: Factors that increased risk for exposure in this area included population demographics (i.e., Mexican-American population) and a large percentage of older houses. The highest BLLs were detected in children < 6 years old with pica behavior. Among 33 children tested, 3 had BLLs exceeding the CDC reference level of 5 μg/dL and of those, one exceeded a BLL of 10μg/dL. In addition, a 7-year-old child had a BLL above 5μg/dL. The BLL 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles for the youngest age groups (9 months to <6 years old, and 6 to < 12 years old) suggest higher exposure to lead compared to children's BLLs reported in the National Health and Nutritious Examination Survey. As a result of the investigation, Pueblo City County Health Department conducted medical follow-up, healthy home inspection, and health education, and the EPA conducted additional soil sampling. EPA used the results of this investigation to support soil remediation decisions. Conclusions: The increased BLLs can harm children's health. Sufficient scientific evidence indicates that BLLs of 5 μg/dL or less may cause neurological, cognitive, and attention related behavioral effects in children. Therefore, primary prevention should be a priority to prevent exposures.