Submission
| Title: | Evaluation of Lead Screening in Indiana Populations |
| Presenter: | Sarah Doherty |
| Institution: | Indiana University School of Medicine |
| Authors: | Sarah Doherty- IUSM, Dr. Michelle Del Rio – IUB, Dr. Kara Garcia – IUSM, Dr. Alyson Alde- IUB |
Abstract
| Background/Significance/Rationale: | Lead is known to have negative health impacts, and screening for lead toxicity is imperative for preserving cognitive development in pediatric populations. The impact of lead on adult populations also holds significant chronic health consequences, with symptom presentation that is often non-specific and easily overlooked. Though many changes have been enacted to minimize exposures, lead still leads to disproportionate health burdens in lower socioeconomic communities and minority populations within the US. In this study, we address current lead screening regulations and assess the level of lead exposure in the population of Vanderburgh County (VC). We aim to address, and re-educate, on specific aspects of lead exposure, and opportunities for screening improvement. |
| Methods: | Participants with variable degrees of home lead exposure throughout Indiana and North Carolina collected soil, water, and dust samples from their homes which were then tested for lead composition. The data from VC was used for comparison with federal and local legislation on lead screening. |
| Results/Findings: | The VC data was limited to eight participants, four from an area with a higher risk of lead exposure and four from an area with a lower risk. One of the high-risk participants out of four was found to have high soil and dust lead levels. Conversely, two of the four participants with low risk of lead exposure had water lead levels below the CDC action level, but above the recommended level for pediatric exposure. |
| Conclusions/Discussion: | Current screening for lead within Indiana, exemplified by VC, may be inadequate at accurately identifying populations at risk of lead exposure. |
| Translational/Human Health Impact: | Improving clinical understanding of lead exposure and public health lead screening in adult and adolescent populations is likely to improve identification of populations with lead exposure. This would reduce the chronic health outcomes, and inordinate financial strain of healthcare costs, placed on lower socioeconomic groups and minority populations. |
