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Lead paint poses a potential hazard for houses built before 1978. Scientists have recognized the dangers of lead, even at low levels, since the mid-1970s. Currently, up to 800 million children worldwide are affected by lead poisoning. Alexander van Geen, a research professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, has secured a grant to study a new test aimed at addressing lead poisoning. Working with colleagues from Columbia University, they plan to distribute these new lead-testing kits to pregnant women in order to identify lead paint in homes and protect young children and fetuses from exposure.
Lead exposure can severely impact mental and physical development in children, making it essential to detect and prevent it early on. Despite the risks, less than 20% of young children are currently being tested for lead exposure in the U.S., with the CDC setting a benchmark of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood to flag potential cases of lead poisoning. Van Geen’s study will focus on Vailsburg, a neighborhood in Newark, where elevated levels of lead in children have been observed.
Children under 6 are most vulnerable to lead exposure due to their behavior of putting items in their mouths. Lead can lead to a myriad of health problems, from developmental delays to high blood pressure in adults. The history of lead usage dates back to Ancient Rome, influencing the fall of the Roman Empire due to widespread lead exposure. In the U.S., lead was commonly used in paint and gasoline until it was banned in 1978.
Environmental justice plays a crucial role in addressing lead exposure, as studies have shown disparities in lead exposure rates among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds and communities of color. Van Geen’s upcoming study will distribute test kits to households with pregnant women and young children in the hopes of reducing lead exposure and improving health outcomes in the community.
The new lead-testing kits will empower residents to identify potential lead hazards in their homes and take proactive measures to address them. By studying the impact of these kits on levels of lead exposure in Vailsburg, researchers aim to create a more informed and aware community when it comes to preventing lead poisoning.
