Estimation of blood lead levels in children living near a former mine, Pont-Péan and Bruz (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Cire Ouest was commissioned, at the end of 2008, by the Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs of Ille-et-Vilaine to assist in analyzing the population’s exposure to metals present in the soil of the former mine in the Pont-Péan and Bruz area (Ille-et-Vilaine) and to assess the need for further investigations. This report presents the results of estimates of blood lead levels in children living near the former mine, based on modeling using the IEUBK model developed by the USEPA. The model parameters took into account new environmental data obtained from areas adjacent to the mine in 2009 and 2010, bioavailability measurements based on soil samples collected on-site, and the results of a population survey regarding the proportion of home-grown food consumed in the area. The average blood lead level of 100 mg/L—the intervention threshold for individual medical management or the implementation of childhood lead poisoning screening—is never exceeded, regardless of the exposure scenario considered. However, the geometric mean of estimated blood lead levels in areas where soil lead concentrations exceed 200 mg/kg is higher than the 95th percentile of blood lead levels observed nationally. Routine screening is not recommended, but health information and education campaigns on simple hygiene practices should continue to target families with young children living in or moving to the area. (R.A.)
Author(s): Esvan M, Tillaut H, Demillac R
Publishing year: 2012
Pages: 30 p.
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