Media Release

For: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 28, 2002
Contact: Patrick MacRoy, Public Health Epidemiologist
401-222-7730 PatrickM@doh.state.ri.us

Childhood Lead Poisoning Declines to 8.1%
Problem still higher in cities and among minority groups.

Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) data for 2001 show that Lead Poisoning continues to decline in Rhode Island. However, rates remain higher than the national average. Substantial disparities continue in urban residents and minorities.

Highlights of the data released by HEALTH include:

1. The percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels continues to fall statewide. Only 8.1% of children under 6 tested in 2001 have elevated blood lead levels—down from 8.7% in 2000. This improvement shows the collective success of state and private-sector efforts to solve this problem.
2. RI children born in 1995 were two times less likely to be lead poisoned by their sixth birthday than children who were born in 1990.
3. Children in Rhode Island’s core cities (Central Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket) face a lead poisoning rate three times higher than those in the rest of the state.
4. African American, Asian, Hispanic and Cape Verdean children are all two to three times more likely to be lead poisoned than White children.
5. HEALTH issued 213 citations last year for lead violations in homes. HEALTH also offers follow-up services to families affected by lead poisoning.

"We have made tremendous progress towards reducing childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island," says Patricia Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Health. "There is still much work ahead to prevent all lead poisoning. Every Rhode Island landlord and family needs to protect children by eliminating lead hazards in the home. We need to continue annual testing of children under the age of six to make to identify those in need of treatment and minimize long-lasting health effects. We can’t rest on our successes until we give every child a safe and healthy environment."

Parents can obtain free information on protecting their children by calling the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.

Childhood lead poisoning is entirely preventable, but remains a major environmental health problem in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 900,000 children have elevated blood levels of lead (10 micrograms or more of lead per deciliter of blood). The major source of lead poisoning cases is deteriorating lead paint in homes. Childhood lead poisoning can result in IQ loss and potentially cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

The full data report is available on the HEALTH website http://www.health.ri.gov/family/lead/leaddatabook2002.pdf or in booklet form after April 1st by calling the Family Health Information Line, at 1-800-942-7434)

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