About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Airborne Dust in Urban Areas Impacts Lead Levels in Children: Wayne State Study

by Rukmani Krishna on March 2, 2013 at 9:37 PM
 Airborne Dust in Urban Areas Impacts Lead Levels in Children: Wayne State Study

A team of researchers has confirmed that seasonal fluctuations in blood lead levels found in children in urban areas throughout the United States and elsewhere in the northern hemisphere are the result of resuspended dust contaminated with lead. The researchers were led by Shawn P. McElmurry, Ph.D., P.E., assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering in Wayne State University's College of Engineering.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology was based on nine years of data on more than 367,000 children in Detroit. The team of scientists stated the results support the critical need for controls for lead exposure in children.

Advertisement

"The study aimed to address a critical gap in understanding why child blood lead levels vary seasonally," said McElmurry. "What we have done is demonstrate that increased blood lead levels in the summer are connected to increased amounts of soil and dust contaminated with lead. This soil is resuspended into the air to a greater extent during the summer than during the winter, hence showing decreased lead levels in children during the winter months."

According to McElmurry, the results of this study place a greater importance on soil contaminated with lead and the need to come up with better remediation to improve children's health.
Advertisement

"Our findings suggest that more attention should be focused on the resuspension of soil contaminated with lead," said McElmurry. "Current efforts focused on lead-based paint have generally been ineffective in reducing the average child's exposure to lead, and our research team recommends primary attention be given to preventing lead exposure from lead-contaminated soil."

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Child Health News

Amblyopia or Poor Vision in Kids - Does Digital Vision Training Help?
Children with amblyopia or lazy eye who underwent digital vision training, showed no appreciable improvement in their eyesight.
Childhood Malnutrition Linked to Stunted Growth and Mortality Risk
In 2022, over 20% of children worldwide lacked adequate calories for growth, with 45+ million showing wasting (underweight for height).
Pneumococcal Vaccines Reduce Severe Infections in Kids With Sickle Cell Disease
After PCV7 licensure, pneumococcal infection rates in children aged 5+ with sickle cell disease significantly decreased.
Breast Milk Proteins to Boost Baby's Gut Health
Breast milk concentration of certain key proteins indicates abundance of healthy bacteria in babies' guts.
Urban Life Fuels Risk of  Respiratory Illness in Children
Compared to young children who grow up in rural areas, city kids are more prone to suffer respiratory infections due to environmental factors.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Airborne Dust in Urban Areas Impacts Lead Levels in Children: Wayne State Study Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests