Visual evaluations correlation with dust lead levels in homes

Abstract Introduction: The following analysis was conducted in order to determine whether or not community outreach workers' visual assessment of homes was correlated with lead dust levels within the home. Objective: To determine the presence and strength of association between dwelling conditions and floor dust lead levels, and between dwelling conditions and windowsill dust lead levels. Methods: Houses: A random sample of dwellings (N = 364) was chosen from the LSB for statistical analysis. Floor Dust Lead Levels: The dust lead levels were stratified into three groups, which correspond to numerical rankings used in the statistical analysis. Window Dust Lead Levels: The dust levels were stratified into three variables with corresponding numerical values. Housing Conditions: Statistical analysis numerical values were assigned to the conditional categories. Statistical Methods: Cross tabulations were calculated between the 3-level coding of dwelling conditions and each of the two measures of household lead. Results: Windowsill Dust Levels: There is only a moderate positive Spearman correlation value (R = 0.331) between these measures. Floor Dust Lead Levels: The Spearman correlation was only around 0.3, (R = 0.310), signifying a weak correlation between floor dust lead levels and property order. Conclusion: This visual assessment is not effective in predicting dust lead levels, and is therefore not a useful component of LSB.