Effects of pediatric blood lead surveillance on Navy Population Health (1995-2001)

Abstract

Navy medicine instituted a pediatric lead surveillance program in 1995 because of a public health concern over pediatric blood lead levels. This program included local sampling of pediatric populations and a central database at the Navy Environmental Health Center. That database contains 38,502 samples from 1995 through 2001 with 1.6% above 10 μg/dL. The number of samples submitted and percentage with elevated lead levels has steadily decreased during the 6-year reporting period. Rates above 10 μg/dL for children considered at high risk were similar for those residing on (2.4%) and off base (2.5%). Rates above 10 μg/dL for children considered at low risk, living off base, were 1.3%, whereas those living on base were 0.4% (relative risk = 3.44, p = 0.00, 95% confidence interval = 2.34-5.20). Several locations were identified as having higher risk for elevated blood levels that warrant continued surveillance.