Lead Exposure in Newly Resettled Pediatric Refugees in Syracuse, NY

This article addresses lead exposure upon arrival and post-resettlement in 705 refugee children (age 0 –16 years) attending a university clinic in Syracuse, NY, a city with a large refugee population. 17% of the newly arrived children had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) (≥ 5 µg/dL); 10% had elevated BLL upon follow-up; 8.3% of the children’s follow-up elevated BLL were new exposures. 30% were found to have increased BLL at follow-up regardless of arrival status. An analysis of new exposures found a significant proportion of children would have been missed on routine screening that targets children <  2 years old. Primary prevention efforts are needed to prevent exposure and address risks to improve the health of all children locally, including newly resettled refugees.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research