Immigration has altered New York City’s (NYC) demographics, which coincides with changes in rates of testing and childhood lead poisoning in NYC. From 1996 to 2000, testing for lead poisoning increased among all children. However, a much greater increase (30%) occurred in older children (³ 6 years old) than among younger children <6 years old (4%). Furthermore, among children tested, the proportion identified at the environmental intervention blood lead level (EIBLL) decreased in younger children by 47%, but increased among older children by 26%. In 1999, the majority of children with EIBLLs were black (41%) and Latino (34%). However, Asian children were the most disproportionately affected (17% of EIBLLs, 9% in the population). In 2000, the highest rates of EIBLL children continued to be concentrated in Brooklyn (44%) and Queens (28%). Similarly, two-thirds of all NYC immigrants from 1995 to 1996 settled in Brooklyn (36%) and Queens (31%). Approximately 563,000 immigrants, primarily from the Caribbean (33%), Asia (25%) and Eastern Europe (22%), settled in NYC from 1990 to 1994 and 28% were < 18 years old. In countries outside the U.S., lead is still ubiquitous. Since there are no current testing guidelines for immigrants, a large population of children may go unchecked for lead poisoning. Immigrant fertility (45% of all children born were to foreign-born mothers, 1990 to 1996) further diversifies the demographics of NYC, which is mirrored in the analysis of EIBLL children. These and other data will be presented.
Learning Objectives: The purpose of this session is to present NYC data on immigration and childhood lead poisoining and blood lead testing. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1) Understand changes in blood lead testing,the epidemiology of childhood lead poisoining, and immigration patterns in NYC over the last decade; 2) Identify common patterns between childhood lead poisoining, blood lead testing and immigration; 3) Describe the elements of the NYC childhood blood lead surveillance system; 4) Discuss the impact of immigration on childhood lead poisoning and public health policy implications.
Keywords: Epidemiology, Lead
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: 1. New York City Department of Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program;
2. New York City Department of City Planning
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed at NYC DOH.