Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118346

Marinelle Payton, MD, PhD, MS, MPH and Vijay Kondur, BS, MS. School of Public Health, College of Public Service, Jackson State University, Jackson Medical Mall-Thad Cochran Center, Jackson, MS 39213, 601-918-1896, marinelle.payton@jsums.edu

Lead poisoning is one of the most recognizable environmental health hazards for decades, and, yet, it remains a common, preventable threat. Despite substantial reduction in the exposure to lead in the United States, approximately one million children have levels of blood lead above the CDC threshold. Lead paint remains one of the major sources of lead exposure for children. In many states studies have shown a significant association between sources of lead in homes and the level of blood lead in children, however, data are sparse in Mississippi. Pre-1950 homes in Mississippi may contain levels of lead dust that may be hazardous. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify children at risk for targeted lead screening. We aim to determine the geographical areas in Mississippi that pose a risk of lead poisoning for children to assist public health officials in developing targeted screening programs. As targeted screening for lead poisoning is largely dependent upon the age of housing, data will be collected utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology to assist in determining high-risk areas of lead poisoning in the state. We expect that children living in pre-1950 housing will be at higher risk for lead poisoning than those living in post-1978 homes, and that GIS will be beneficial in locating areas of risk. These findings will promote GIS targeted screening programs for lead poisoning and help to implement and enforce health and social resources to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Learning Objectives:

• Knowledge of childhood lead poisoning in the state of Mississippi.
• The potential risk for lead poisoning in homes built in Mississippi.
• The usefulness of a geographic information system (GIS) in identifying children at risk for lead exposure.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.