The University of California, Irvine, collaborated with the Secretaria de Salud, Mexico, and Servicios Medicos Municipales, City of Tijuana, to conduct a survey of lead exposure among children, ages 1.5–6 years old, in Tijuana, Mexico. We selected a representative sample of children using preschools and clinics throughout the region. Teams of local health professionals conducted the survey by administering a questionnaire to a guardian and obtaining blood for blood lead analysis. A total of 1719 children participated in the survey and provided blood specimens. The mean blood lead level (BLL) was 6.2 ± 3.4 µg/dL; 10% had BLLs from 10 to 20, while 1% had BLLs > 20 µg/dL. The children with BLLs ³ 10 µg/dL were referred to our case management team for diagnostic testing and interventions, including counseling; exchange of “lead-free” ceramics; nutritional supplementation; and home visit for environmental assessment. A multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the strongest factors associated with elevated BLL were lower social class and family use of ceramic pots for cooking food. We conducted a nested case-control study to include a home visit for evaluation of lead sources. After adjusting for family use of ceramic pots, the most significant predictor of BLL was home soil lead concentration. As part of the project, we developed a public health infrastructure for lead poisoning prevention by developing the case management teams and protocols; establishing a certified blood lead laboratory in Tijuana; and training over 400 physicians, nurses, and others in prevention and treatment of lead poisoning.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Environmental Health, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NONE
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.