This practice lab was completed during MPH 613 Environment, Society, and Health. For this assignment, we were given a mock community write-up that had various potential lead exposures throughout the community. I had to read, analyze, and recognize these potential lead exposures while acknowledging the cultural values and practices at play in this community. The key study questions were as follows: (1) identifying potential lead sources, (2) acknowledging risks of lead poisoning, and (3) discussing cultural factors for communication. I approached this assessment by reading over the passage multiple times, highlighting potential lead exposures each time until I could no longer identify sources. Next, of the exposures I identified, I created a list of risk factors associated with each exposure. Essentially, I wrote out what would cause citizens of the community to have a higher risk of exposure than others. Finally, I analyzed the risk factors to determine if any of them were related to cultural differences. 

The potential lead exposures I identified in this practice lab were beaded necklaces make with lead paint, lead-containing Tiro eye paint, houses painted with leaded paint, animals hunted with lead ammo, and second-hand toys given to children at the fair. Below is the formal write-up I did for the assignment that goes into further detail on each of these potential exposures as well as the various risk factors associated with each. 

In terms of recommendations, I chose to focus on communication with the citizens of the community to provide lead-exposure education. I suggested that information for lead poisoning needs to be pushed out through social media platforms and televised to reach various age groups. I also stressed the importance of having materials for those who do not speak English and for children who are unable to process a lot of text. Creating educational materials for every subpopulation within the community would ensure that everyone has the same access to information. These recommendations can be applied in public health practice, as lead exposure and poisoning is not a made-up situation. Ensuring that every member of a community has access to information helps to protect everyone. Additionally, these recommendations can apply to other risks other than lead exposure, such as STIs, vaccinations, and exercise. Public health professionals should strive to better their community, and providing education to all is one part of fulfilling that duty.

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