In Massachusetts all refugee children less than 6 years old receive a blood lead test as part of their refugee health screening within 90 days of arrival. An analysis of 693 children indicated that refugee children were 2.7 times (90$ CI 1.9, 4.1) as likely as a representative sample of the age-matched US population to have blood lead levels > 10 µg/dL. The most powerful predictor of blood lead elevation on arrival for these children was place of birth. In addition, among 200 children without a history of blood lead elevation on arrival and tested 6 or months after relocation, the risk of blood lead elevation was >7%. This is also substantially higher than the estimate for the general US childhood population. In this study we will examine factors associated with increase risk for blood lead elevations among new arrivals after they relocate to Massachusetts including age, nationality, place of birth, housing and demographic characteristics of the community to which they are relocated and iron status. Specific obstacles to prevention identified include lack of knowledge about lead poisoning and its prevention among newly arrived populations, providers' perception of risk status and relocation to substandard housing. Programmatic supports to help families obtain services will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: . Identify factors that place refugee and immigrant children at increased risk for blood lead elevations. 2. Address specific obstacles to screening and identification of newly arrived children with blood lead elevations
Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Environmental Health Hazards
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.