Purpose: To examine time between presentation for lead treatment, initial home inspection, and lead hazard resolution.
Methods: Home inspection reports for 136 children treated at a referral lead clinic during 1991-1997 were requested from city records. Reports for 52 children were reviewed along with their clinic records.
Results: Children were: 62% male; mean age 3.25 years; and had a mean initial lead level of 50 mcg/dl. For 37 children with inspection data at a first address, reports showed that the initial inspection occurred before the first clinic visit for 11 children (30%), and a mean of 12 months after the first lead clinic visit for 26 (70%). For all homes reviewed, the mean number of inspector visits was 5.8. 39 homes (75%) had documented resolution of lead hazards. The mean time from inspection to hazard resolution was 14.3 months and from first clinic visit to lead hazard resolution was 24 months. For 33 cases, data was available to assess the accuracy of parental report on the timing of initial inspection: for 13 (39%) parental report agreed within one month with city records; for 8 cases (24%), the initial inspection was earlier than parental report (mean 5 months); for 12 cases (36%) inspections were later by city report than by parental report (mean 21 months).
Conclusions: Data show slow compliance with lead hazard repair. Parental report to health providers about inspection occurrence may not be accurate. Improved systems to expedite inspections and guarantee lead hazard repairs are needed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will recognize the possibility for delay in inspection of homes and remediation of lead hazard, and the potential for discrepancy between parental report and inspection reports
Keywords: Children's Health, Lead
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Chicago Department of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.