Analysis of Lead-Contaminated House Dust and Blood Lead Levels in Urban Children. D. E. Jacobs and B. P. Lanphear, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Poisoning Prevention, Washington, DC 20410
The purpose of this study was to estimate the probability of a child having an elevated blood lead level based on a known amount of lead dust in the child's primary residence and how that lead dust should be quantified. Two hundred and five children aged 1-1/2 to 2 years were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in Rochester, New York. Three dust collection methods were used to obtain samples from up to 12 sampling locations in each house. Other sources of lead exposure were also quantified, including paint, soil, water and other sources. Socio-economic status and behavioral influences were also measured. Blood lead level and iron status for each child were quantified. Results show that dust lead loading (mg/m2) is a significantly better predictor of children's blood lead level than dust lead concentration (mg/g) and that significant differences exist among dust sampling methods. Statistical modeling shows that the proportion of urban children having elevated blood levels increases at dust lead levels lower than current HUD and EPA standards. The results of this study can be used to guide the development of a health-based standard for settled leaded dust in housing, which EPA is required to establish under Title X of the 1992 Housing and Community Development Act. The results also inform the selection of the best standard lead dust sampling method and locations to determine compliance with such a standard.