Take-Home Lead Exposure Among Children in Florida 2010-2014

BACKGROUND:  Lead poisoning in children can lead to adverse effects that are permanent and irreversible. Lead can settle on skin, hair, and clothes and certain occupations are more prone to this type of exposure. “Take-home lead” is lead dust carried home on clothes, shoes or skin of individuals whose occupations or hobbies involve lead. Take-home lead is one the most significant sources of lead exposure as lead dust is absorbed more efficiently than large lead-based paint chips. Lead poisoning is a reportable disease in Florida. Lead poisoning data were reviewed to better understand the burden of take-home lead poisoning among children.

METHODS:  Lead poisoning case data from 2010 to 2014 were extracted from Florida’s reportable disease surveillance system (Merlin) for children aged 0 to 15 years. Lead poisoning cases with a source of exposure from parental occupation were analyzed. Data reviewed included age, source of exposure, clinical symptoms, county of exposure, and insurance status. 

RESULTS:  From 2010 to 2014, 1,285 confirmed cases of lead poisoning were reported in children 0-15 years old, of which 173 cases (13.4%) of take-home lead poisoning were identified. Most children were <6 years old (n=131, 75.7%) and Medicaid recipients (n=133, 76.9%). Parental occupations contributing to elevated lead levels in children were lead renovation and construction (n=28, 16.1%) and automotive and battery recycling (n=24, 13.8%). The majority of identified take-home lead cases (n=78, 45 %) did not specify the parental occupation. 

CONCLUSIONS: Though responsible for a small percentage of cases in Florida, take-home lead poisoning is not well recognized as a source of lead exposure in children. Merlin has fields to collect risk factor data, but there are limitations in the information. Improving completeness of risk factor data will help to understand the epidemiology and the severity of exposure in Florida. Data linking adult and child cases involved in take home lead poisoning in Merlin will greatly help monitor adult and child blood lead levels to prevent further increase. Unlike living in sub-standard housing, take-home lead exposures are preventable by implementing lead-safe work practices, correct hygiene, and routine medical surveillance. Education related to the effects and prevention of take-home lead should target parents with occupations at high risk for lead exposure. Continued surveillance efforts are needed in Florida to capture adequate epidemiological information for children with take-home lead poisoning.