City Kids Exposed to More Lead From Contaminated Dust in Summer
Scientists found that wind, humidity raise levels of airborne particles
Children's levels of exposure to lead-contaminated airborne dust while outdoors explain the seasonal changes that occur in their blood lead levels, a new study reports.
Past research has shown that blood lead levels among children living in U.S. cities can rise by more than 10 percent in July, August and September, and then decrease during winter and spring.
This nine-year study of more than 367,000 children in Detroit concluded that wind, humidity and other weather-related factors increase the amount of lead-contaminated dust in the air during those three months, when children are also more likely to be outside.
The lead in the dust was deposited in the soil years ago.
Average blood lead levels in the United States and worldwide have declined following the elimination of lead from gasoline, paint, water pipes and solder used to seal canned goods.
The study findings have implications for government efforts to reduce children's exposure to lead, which can cause serious health problems, the researchers said.
The findings suggest that the federal government's continued emphasis on lead-based paint may be out of step (logically) with the evidence presented, and an improvement in child health is likely achievable by focusing on the [lead in airborne dust] as a source of exposure.
Given that current education has been found to be ineffective in reducing children's exposure to [lead], we recommend that attention be focused on primary prevention of lead-contaminated soils.
Source: HealthDay News
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