A new study attempting to determine lead levels in children between the ages of six months and six years was launched today in St. John's.
Those conducting the study want to recruit 200 families in the capital city in the coming weeks.
Blood samples will be collected from the children, and samples will also be taken from inside and outside their homes.
The study team is targetting children who live in a range of pre- and post-1970s homes across the city.
"Our research will help us find out how much lead young children may have been exposed to by testing their blood for lead," said Dr. David Allison, medical officer of health for Eastern Health.
The study is a partnership between Memorial University, Eastern Health and Health Canada.
Previous research has shown that there is lead in the environment from past use of leaded gasoline, paints and coal.
Children are being targetted because their behaviour - playing in the sand and putting things in their mouths - often puts them at risk of lead exposure.
"With parents' support, we can learn a lot from their children and help take steps for a healthier future,"?said Trevor Bell, a professor of geography at MUN.
The blood lead levels are not expected to be high, and the study team emphasized that it is not trying to raise alarm.
Past studies have shown that St. John's has one of the highest lead levels in the country, but lead poisoning is "almost unknown."
Families who want to volunteer for the study can e-mail LeadNL@mun.ca, or call 737-3038.
For more, visit www.LeadNL.ca.
Children will be focus on new environmental lead exposure study
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Published on
May 3, 2010
- Published on July 1, 2010
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Staff ~ The Telegram
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