Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: June 5, 2003
Contact: Magaly Angeloni (222-4602 or cell phone 480-7430)
Manager, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention  

Childhood Lead Poisoning in Rhode Island: 
The Numbers 2003 Edition

The Rhode Island Department of Health released its 2003 data book yesterday at the statewide lead poisoning prevention awards breakfast.  The report provides data about lead poisoning statewide and at the community level.  It encourages state and community leaders to join together for eliminating childhood environmental lead poisoning in Rhode Island by 2010. 

“The data show that we have made tremendous progress in reducing childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island—from nearly 22% in 1994 to 6.4% in 2002," says Patricia Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Health. " Despite these gains, much work remains to be done.  In particular, we need to eliminate lead paint hazards in homes where young children reside and assure that every child has a safe and healthy environment.” 

Highlights of the data include:

• Nearly 1 in 14 Rhode Island children still have a blood level exceeding CDC’s level of concern – a rate at least twice the national average.

• African American children have the highest rates of lead poisoning – a rate three times that of Whites.  In addition, the Asians and Hispanics are two times greater than that of Whites. 

• New cases (incidence rate) concentrate in the five core cities (Central Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket).  These new cases occur at a rate that is three times greater than the statewide average. 

The full report is available online http://www.health.ri.gov/family/lead/leaddatabook2003.pdf or in a booklet form by calling the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.