Effect of a follow-up professional home cleaning on serial dust and blood lead levels of urban children.
Children residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who were enrolled in a clinical trial of oral chelation therapy (n=73) were studied to determine the effects of a follow-up professional lead dust cleaning of their homes 18 mo after an initial cleaning and commencement of therapy. Home dust lead levels were determined from dust-wipe specimens collected from the kitchen and playroom floors, and from a playroom windowsill, prior to, immediately following, and 3 and 6 mo after the second cleaning. Children's blood lead levels were assessed at 3-mo intervals before and after the follow-up cleaning. Professional cleaning produced immediate decreases in dust lead levels; however, dust lead re-accumulated to precleaning levels within 3-6 mo. Frequent, repeated cleanings may be required if blood lead or dust lead levels are to be reduced and sustained at low levels in urban homes.
Campbell
Carla
C
Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Primary Care Center, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. campbellc@email.chop.edu
Schwarz
Donald F
DF
Rich
David
D
Dockery
Douglas W
DW
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000517:prevention & control; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002947:Cities; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007223:Infant; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D015143:Philadelphia; D014505:Urban Population
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004391:Dust; D007854:Lead