MPH 613- Practice Lab: Integrated Lead Poisoning Prevention

  1. Title: MPH 613- Practice Lab: Integrated Lead Poisoning Prevention 
  2. Background: This practice lab was part of MPH 613 Environment, Society and Health and more information all topics can be found in the attached document. A small town with a diverse population hosts 2 events to celebrate the town, new residents, and the many cultures within. This celebration has many cultural items and fun toys for children. The town also boasts older homes built after WWII and historical homes built in the 1930s. There is also an avid hunter population who provides meat to local restaurants and for the town events. 
  3. Key questions: There are three primary questions in this practice lab. What are possible sources of lead in the town? What cultural factors contribute to the lead sources and their potential exposures. How do these lead sources and potential areas of exposure need to be communicated to the town in a way that is culturally appropriate?
  4. Method: Review the scenario, using concepts learned in class, as well as reputable sources to determine potential sources of lead and the cultural significance behind these items. Determine the best ways to communicate this to the community. 
  5. Findings: Potential sources of lead: Yoruba tiro face paint, plastic carnival beads and toys from China given out to children at the town events, original lead-based paint in many of the old homes, lead shot in the game meat, and the authentic Chapulines imported directly from Oaxaca, Mexico.   
  6. Recommendations: Hold a town hall meeting to engage stakeholders and create partnerships within the community to develop education and remediation programs. Develop educational materials in the languages spoken in the town, and at a level that is understandable to the community. Disperse materials in a manner that is relevant to the community stakeholders. Provide resources for programs that aid in prevention, remediation and testing of lead. 
  7. Public health significance: Reduction of lead exposure is important for the health and wellbeing of all people, but especially in children. Developing lead exposure prevention programs help to reduce the burden of disease due to lead poisoning and reduce the risk of life long physical and developmental harm. 
LeadProject-