title: Geographic analysis of health risks of pediatric lead exposure: a golden opportunity to promote healthy neighborhoods.
abstract: In this retrospective study, the authors investigated pediatric blood lead levels (BLLs) at 2 threshold levels in neighborhoods across the US city of Chicago, examining geographic associations with demographic risk factors and housing characteristics, using data from large-scale childhood BLL screening records from 1997 through 2003. They used logistic regression and geostatistical methods to assess disease dynamics and probability of elevated BLLs. The results showed a significant decline of elevated BLLs, with levels measured at >or= 10 microg/dL decreasing by 74%, compared with a 40% decrease for the lower levels (6-9 microg/dL). The Westside and Southside neighborhoods, with a high concentration of minority populations, had the highest prevalence rates, which were significantly associated with living in pre-1950 housing units. The findings provided insights for lead prevention, implications for lowering the threshold limit, and suggestions for the urgent task of developing healthy neighborhoods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography and Environmental Resources, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4514, USA. tjoyana@siu.edu
authors.forename: Tonny J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Oyana
authors.forename: Florence M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Margai
mesh_terms: D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003710:Demography; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004782:Environmental Health; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D007854:Lead