Geographic Analysis of Blood Lead Levels in New York State Children Born 1994–1997

We examined the geographic distribution of the blood lead levels (BLLs) of 677,112 children born between 1994 and 1997 in New York State and screened before 2 years of age. Five percent of the children screened had BLLs higher than the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention action level of 10 μg/dL. Rates were higher in upstate cities than in the New York City area. We modeled the relationship between BLLs and housing and socioeconomic characteristics at the ZIP code level. Older housing stock, a lower proportion of high school graduates, and a higher percentage of births to African-American mothers were the community characteristics most associated with elevated BLLs. Although the prevalence of children with elevated BLLs declined 44% between those born in 1994 and those born in 1997, the rate of improvement may be slowing down. Lead remains an environmental health problem in inner-city neighborhoods, particularly in upstate New York. We identified areas having a high prevalence of children with elevated BLLs. These communities can be targeted for educational and remediation programs. The model locates areas with a higher or lower prevalence of elevated BLLs than expected. These communities can be studied further at the individual level to better characterize the factors that contribute to these differences

Statutes enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"February 18, 2009."Shipping list no.: 2009-0298-P."This unofficial compilation was prepared by CPSC staff for the convenience of the reader. It is not authoritative"--P. [1], first group.Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 2051-2089) -- Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 1261-1278) -- Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 1191-1204) -- Poison Prevention Packaging Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 1471-1477) -- Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act -- Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act -- Refrigerator Safety Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 1211-1214).Mode of access: Internet