Blood lead levels among resettled refugee children in select US states, 2010–2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs; $5 µg/dL) are more prevalent among refugee children resettled in the United States than the general US population and contribute to permanent health and neurodevelopmental problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening of refugee children aged 6 months to 16 years on arrival in the United States and retesting those aged 6 months to 6 years between 3- and 6-months postarrival. METHODS: We analyzed EBLL prevalence among refugee children aged 6 months to 16 years who received a domestic refugee medical examination between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2014. We assessed EBLL prevalence by predeparture examination country and, among children rescreened 3 to 6 months after initial testing, we assessed EBLL changes during follow-up screening. RESULTS: Twelve sites provided data on 27 284 children representing nearly 25% of refugee children resettling during the time period of this analysis. The EBLL prevalence during initial testing was 19.3%. EBLL was associated with younger age, male sex, and overseas examination country. Among 1121 children from 5 sites with available follow-up test results, EBLL prevalence was 22.7%; higher follow-up BLLs were associated with younger age and predeparture examination country. CONCLUSIONS: EBLL decreased over the time period of our analysis in this population of refugee children. Refugee children may be exposed to lead before and after resettlement to the United States. Efforts to identify incoming refugee populations at high risk for EBLL can inform prevention efforts both domestically and overseas.