CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING

Annie Wu, Ari Kohorn, Beth Soucy, David Borcsok, Tais Mauk

data + statistics

• In 1998, 1 in 3 children in RI experienced lead poisoning

(33%). In 2011, it was 1 in 33 (3%), and by 2012 the rate

is expected to be 2.2%.

• Lead poisoning in children is defined as having blood

lead levels of 10 ug/DL

“0 lead poisoning cases is achievable goal.”

- Dr. Patrick Vivier

data + statistics

causes + effects

• Inhalation and/or ingestion from lead dust

• Tap water / pipes

• Soil

• Nervous system developmental problems, learning

disabilities, behavioral problems, permanent mental

retardation

• A loss of 4-7 IQ points per 1 ug/dL blood lead level

increase

reframing opportunities

• It’s not just about removing the lead from homes, its the cost/stress of

continually maintaining a lead free home. This is often the most crucial

aspect to the lead poisoning issue, in that those who occupy the homes cannot

afford to pay for the necessary upkeep. 

• The relationship between landlords and tenants is one of the most crucial

relationships that need to be explore (in the context of the obligation of

landlords to remove lead, as well as their obligation not to discriminate

against potential tenants with small children)

• 1. Only 5% get lead poisoning from paint chips, but the severity is higher. 2.

95% get lead poisoning from the soil tracked in from outdoors, but at a

lower level.

- Lamphear, The Paradox of Lead Poisoning Prevention

thanks!