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Childhood Lead Poisoning
The Health District’s 2005 Annual report outlined a long-known public health disparity of an increased burden of childhood lead poisoning in certain zip code areas of Galveston Island and on High Island. In the 2005 report, the state of Texas estimates 3.2% of children under the age of 6 years have had elevated lead levels from 2000 - 2002 data, while Galveston County data reflects 13.1%. The prevalence of childhood lead poisoning is a geographic disparity by zip codes on Galveston Island and Bolivar peninsula. Zip codes with an elevated prevalence of childhood lead poisoning include: 77553 (41.4%), 77552 (27.3%), 77551 (23.6%, and 77550 (19.0%), followed by High Island, 77623 (36%).
The Health District’s roles are to:
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Analyze reports of elevated lead levels that are reported to the District’s epidemiologist by providers who test children. For more information contact Epidemiology at (409) 938-2322, or visit the GHCD web site www.gchd.org/epidemiology/bloodlead.htm.
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Perform nursing assessments and education to parents of children reported to have elevated lead levels. For more information contact Community Health Nursing at (409) 938-2456.
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Perform environmental assessments to determine the source of lead through the District’s Environmental Services. For more information call (409) 938-2251.
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Refer families to any available resources for information on lead abatement/remediation. For a variety of informational handouts visit the Texas Department of State Health Services web site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lead/default.shtm.
A meeting of community leaders to address childhood lead poisoning was held November 19th in Galveston. The following news reports were published as a result of actions taken at the meeting:
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