Background: A module of MPH 613: Environment, Society, and Health focused on lead poisoning risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. This included an overview of the history of lead use and how it persists in the environment, continuing to pose health risks today. Until bans were put in place in the 1970’s, lead was heavily used in the manufacturing of commonly used products like paint and gasoline. Lead is still used in the manufacturing of products in countries with less-strict manufacturing regulations and oversight than the United States. For this Practice Lab, we were presented with the hypothetical community of HappyTown, USA. HappyTown was presented as a community with a diverse population of engaged individuals that celebrates cultural traditions, values youth education, and supports locally owned businesses. Several scenarios and products were presented in this scenario that posed potential lead poisoning risks to HappyTown residents.
Key Questions: The key questions of the practice lab were to read through the various community events, cultural beliefs, and practices within HappyTown to identify potential sources of lead and community values that may increase lead poisoning risk. Based on this information, we were additionally tasked to develop lead risk communication strategies for the affected populations.
Method: Using information learned from the MPH 613 lead poisoning module and trusted internet sites (CDC, Consumer Product Safety Commission, EPA, etc.), I reviewed all of the presented products and practices in HappyTown to evaluate lead exposure risk. I then considered the level of risk by looking at the potential level of exposure, number of people impacted, and vulnerability of the impacted populations. Once sources and community values contributing to increased lead poisoning risk were identified and detailed, I considered the affected populations and how to best communicate with each to effectively convey risks and preventative measures.
Findings: As detailed in the attached project document, I identified several lead sources in the HappyTown community. These included Tiro face paint utilized in the town’s New Residents Day celebration, toys and educational kits distributed to children in the community, paint dust found in the older housing stock, and food products served in locally-owned restaurants. I then detailed several values associated with these lead sources that further increase lead poisoning risk, and the communication strategies needed to navigate these values and effectively convey health risks and preventative measures.
Recommendations: Based on my review of the information presented in the scenario, I identified the aging housing stock in HappyTown as the greatest potential source of lead poisoning risk in the community. Much of the housing stock was noted to be built prior to 1950 when lead was still widely used in household paint. Wealthy community members living in these older homes were identified as an important population to communicate with as they were noted to be performing “do it yourself” renovations that could present lead exposure risk through airborne dust and particles if proper lead mitigation measures are not taken. Additionally, it was noted that HappyTown has a large percentage of young people making up its population. Children are more susceptible to lead poisoning as they absorb more lead than adults and their developing nervous systems are more sensitive to lead. Because of this, parents and caretakers were identified as another vital population to communicate potential lead poisoning risks, and there were many lead risks to children presented in the scenario. Lastly, the scenario noted an active hunting community through Buckshot Buddies Hunting Club, which donates meat to be served in the popular Buford’s Place restaurant. Unfortunately, it is likely that the hunting group is using lead containing bullets and potentially providing lead contaminated meat to be served to community members. Due to this potential risk, local hunters were also identified as an important population to focus on for lead poisoning communications.
Public Health Significance: Lead poisoning, especially among children, continues to be public health concern in the U.S. The CDC focuses on lead prevention research, outreach, and education to reduce the risks for childhood lead exposure. Currently, the accepted blood lead reference value (BLRV) is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or below (1). Children with BLLs at or above 3.5 µg/dL are considered to have been exposed to unsafe lead levels and may face irreversible neurological and developmental health effects. Approximately 500,000 children in the U.S. are estimated to have BLLs at or above the BLRV, so efforts to raise awareness of child lead exposure risks among parents and caretakers continues to be an important public health goal (1).
- Blood Lead Levels in Children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm. Published: December 2, 2022. Accessed: March 12, 2023.