Potential lead hazards in pre-1978 childcare facilities in Southern Nevada

Communities continue to find lead in buildings and manufactured goods, placing children at risk for negative health effects. This study sought to determine the presence or absence of traditional and non-traditional lead hazards in the total population of pre-1978 licensed childcare facilities in Clark County, Nevada (N = 94) through lead risk assessments. Analysis suggests that the pre-1978 structures in Clark County Nevada, USA do not follow national trends pertaining to the prevalence of lead-based paint, dust, and soil. Of the 94 facilities assessed: 30 (31.9%) contained lead-based paint, 41 (43.6%) contained leaded tile, 9 (9.5%) had dust exceeding EPA clearance standards, and 7 (7.4%) facilities had playground equipment test positive for lead. These results confirm the need for continued monitoring of traditional and non-traditional sources of lead to prevent unnecessary lead exposure in childcare facilities