Utility of a risk assessment questionnaire in identifying children with lead exposure

Article Abstract:

Neither the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) questionnaire nor a behavioral questionnaire accurately identified which children in a high-risk community had high blood lead levels. Researchers measured blood levels of lead in 463 children between 6 and 72 months old who lived in a town where 58% of the houses were built before 1950 and half the population was low income. Parents responded to the CDC questionnaire, which asked such questions as the age of the house, and a behavioral questionnaire, which asked such questions as whether the child ate dirt. Over 20% of the children had a lead concentration in the range where close follow-up is recommended and 6% had blood levels in the range where treatment is recommended. Positive answers on either questionnaire were associated with increased likelihood of high lead levels, but neither questionnaire identified children with high levels sufficiently or accurately. Therefore, all children in high-risk communities should be tested.

Health aspects, Usage, Lead, Risk factors, Surveys, Risk factors (Health), Health risk assessment, Lead poisoning

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Rethinking the threshold for an abnormal capillary blood lead screening test

Article Abstract:

Using finger-stick blood samples and a lead content threshold of 0.72 micromoles per liter is recommended. Researchers correlated blood lead levels from finger-stick samples and venous blood draws in 513 inner-city children aged six or younger. Using a finger-stick blood level of 0.72 micromoles per liter identified all children with blood lead levels of 0.97 micromoles per liter or more. Studies to date do not justify treatment of lead concentrations below 0.92 micromoles per liter nor does treatment below this level appear effective. This cut-off would identify all serious lead elevations while minimizing unnecessary treatment.

Measurement, Blood, Lead in the body, Blood chemical analysis

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Cigarette promotional items in public schools

Article Abstract:

Cigarette promotional items may be highly influential on the smoking behavior of teenagers. Cigarette promotional items (CPI) are T-shirts, hats, lighters, sporting gear, and other items that advertise cigarettes. Researchers surveyed 1,265 students in grades 6 to 12 in rural northeastern public schools. One third of students had a CPI, most bearing the Marlboro or Camel logo. Such students were four times as likely to smoke. Most students had family members or friends who smoked. The association between CPI ownership and smoking may primarily affect students in the lower grades.

Psychological aspects, Influence, Smoking and youth, Youth smoking, Tobacco industry, Premiums (Retail)

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