Instances of lead poisoning are concentrated among children under six living in Rhode Island's lower-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with older houses, according to a study conducted by members of the Department of Community Health. Patrick Vivier, associate professor of community health and pediatrics, led the study in collaboration with other members of the department.
The researchers used data from a Rhode Island Department of Health database to create a map of lead poisoning cases among children under the age of six between 1993 and 2005. They then formed a commission with Attorney General Patrick Lynch to study the problem. The study focused on children because — although lead poisoning can affect anyone — it can cause serious damage to a child's developing brain, even at low concentrations.
When examining the data, the researchers paid particular attention to neighborhoods with higher poverty levels and higher concentrations of houses built before 1950. Before the 1950s, homeowners were unaware of the dangers of lead poisoning and often used lead paint on interior walls.
The study found disparities between rates of lead poisoning in children living in houses built before the 1950s and those living in houses built within the last 50 years. "The most important finding of the study is really the extent to just how concentrated health problems can be. In certain cases no kids had poisoning, while in others, half of the kids were poisoned. There were unbelievable disparities," said Vivier.
Families living in old houses can reduce the risk of lead poisoning by making sure that dust does not collect and there is no peeling paint. But many lower-income families cannot afford to take extra measures to ensure paint upkeep and safety. "It's not just a question of poverty," said Vivier, "Where you live really determines whether you're at risk. If you're living in a house built in 1920, and there's been peeling paint, your kids are still at risk."
The study has helped the commission target neighborhoods to try to eliminate problems with lead. A group called ClearCorps is overseeing the cleanup process in Rhode Island, and millions of dollars have already been allocated to reduce lead poisoning, Vivier said. He said he hopes the tactics used in this study can be used in other studies to examine the distribution of other health problems and possibly help combat them.
He was particularly impressed with how well everyone on the commission worked together. John Logan, professor of sociology, and Scott Bell, professor of geography at the University of Saskatchewan, also contributed to the study.
"The study was a nice collaborative effort," said Vivier, "It's terrific to have students, faculty from the public health department, faculty from the sociology department and members of the state government working together to solve a problem."
