Impact of lead exposure in low-quality low-income housing on lifetime earnings and revenue generation among children in Kentucky: Using GIS spatial analysis and prediction modeling to develop primary prevention strategies and statewide remediation policy

Neal L. Rosenblatt, MS, Division for Systems Management, Application Development and Enterprise Reporting, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Information Technology, 275 East Main St., Mail Stop: HS1EG, Frankfort, KY 40621, (502) 564-7510, ext. 3125, neal.rosenblatt@ky.gov

Using GIS technology as well as statistical analysis, a predictive exposure model for childhood lead poisoning was derived to identify at-risk housing that would likely cause elevated blood lead levels in children should they reside in these dwellings. Identifying at-risk housing alone falls short of resolving the problem, however. Remediation is required to control or abate deteriorating lead-based paint in older housing, which is the primary source of lead poisoning in young children who live in low-quality housing. The long-term economic costs of lost productivity associated with chronic exposure to lead and the costs of short-term and long-term methods employed to control lead paint hazards in an estimated number of high risk housing units in the Commonwealth of Kentucky were assessed. Recent studies combining medical and economic research make it possible to reliably estimate some of the benefits associated with lead-poisoning prevention and provides a cost/benefit assessment of prevention strategies through interim controls and abatement as a way to pay for these intervention strategies over time. As such, it was determined that the long-term benefits of reducing the outcomes associated with lost productivity among young children per year due to lead exposure would generate sufficient tax revenue to pay, in part, for the complete abatement of all high-risk low-quality housing units in Kentucky. Conclusions drawn from this analysis build upon current literature using GIS mapping technology in public health.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.