Reducing Lead Dust Exposure in Older Housing

Reducing Lead Dust Exposure and Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Older Housing in Michigan

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of portable air filtration (PAF) for mitigating lead dust exposures and reducing childhood blood lead levels in older housing.

In close collaboration with local health departments, this project will enroll 40 participants who (1) reside in housing built before 1970, and (2) have children under six years of age with blood lead levels (BLL) >5 μg/dL. Specific objectives include (1) assess reduction of Pb dust exposure via the intervention, (2) assess the ability of PAF to reduce childhood BLL indirectly via reductions in Pb dust exposure, and (3) develop evidence-based exposure reduction guidance for wider public use of PAF. The project team will measure Pb levels in (1) suspended dust, (2) floor dust, and (3) children's blood before the start and finish of the two-month-long intervention as well as at the midpoint.

Inclusion Criteria:

• child under seven years of age with BLL >5 µg/dL,
• child must reside in housing built before 1978, and
• child must sleep at home during participation in the two month-long study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• anything in child's health history that could affect the study results, or
• any circumstance that could interfere with guardian's/parent's ability to consent and/or participate in the study.