Integrated Lead Poisoning Prevention Assignment
Background: We were given a mock community with a variety of potential lead sources and a richly diverse population. In this individual, written assignment, we had to utilize what we learned about lead and lead poisoning, risk communication, and cultural competence to design a community lead poisoning education and prevention effort (including a communication strategy) that was inclusive.
Key study question(s) & points :
- Identify cultural values and practices in the mock community and apply this awareness to the design of an inclusive lead poisoning education and prevention program.
- Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content
- Select specific risk communication strategies for different audiences and sectors in the mock community and explaining how those choices contribute to an effective and inclusive lead poisoning prevention program
Methods:
- Identify potential lead sources in the community
- Identify risks associated with lead poisoning
- Discuss risk communication strategies
Findings:
- Sources of lead: human activities, Tiro in plastic jewelry, older house paint (lead based) , Chapulines imported from Mexico, children’s toys
- Risks of lead poisoning: children developing cognitive issues, older housing, significant amounts of lead in one’s blood
- Risk communication strategies: cultural factors are important to understand during risk communication, wireless emergency alerts, age appropriate info-graphics or videos, inclusive strategies for handicapped and disables populations
Recommendations: Be cognizant of your surroundings, if you move into an older house then hire someone to properly rid the old lead-based pants, read warning labels, clean dusty surfaces, wash hands and toys, remove shoes when entering the house, and wear proper PPE when working with lead.
Public health significance: Reduction in lead exposure has been an ongoing public health project for over 50 years. THE EPA has been working to eliminate lead contaminated foods, household items, paints and waste. Prolonged lead exposure can contribute to lead poisoning and cause significant cognitive and breathing issues.
Final Product:
Canty_LEAD_Practice_Lab_Assignment