Screening for lead poisoning among minors: the case of the Midi-Pyrénées region from 2002 to 2013
Objective: Lead can cause harmful effects, particularly neurological, hematological, and renal effects. Children under six years of age are most affected due to greater absorption through the digestive tract and inhalation, the immaturity of their central nervous system, and hand-to-mouth behavior (pica). Screening for lead poisoning has been a public health priority since the 1990s. The definition of new cases of lead poisoning was established by the decree of February 5, 2004, regarding the mandatory reporting of lead poisoning in minors. The objective of this study is to present a summary of lead poisoning screening activities among minors and their results in the Midi-Pyrénées region from January 2002 to December 2013. Methods: The data used correspond to blood lead level tests conducted as part of initial screening or follow-up among residents of the Midi-Pyrénées region from 2002 to 2013. They are sourced from the database of the National Surveillance System for Lead Levels in Children (SNSPE), which is populated by lead level monitoring records received at Poison Control and Toxicovigilance Centers (CAPTV) and mandatory case reporting, and managed by the Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS). A new case of childhood lead poisoning was defined as the detection of a blood lead level of 100 μg/L (0.48 μmol/L) during an initial screening or follow-up test in a minor. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA® software, version 12.0. Results: From 2002 to 2013, 1,321 blood lead level tests were conducted in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The majority of tests were performed between 2003 and 2008, a period of large-scale screening campaigns targeting specific cities or neighborhoods (traveling communities in Toulouse, children living in neighborhoods with older housing stock or those polluted by industry). In 83.9% of cases (i.e., 1,109 blood lead tests), these were initial screenings. The median blood lead level for all cases is 27 μg/L. The children tested were 5.6 ± 4.5 years old (< 17 years). Among these tests, 56 revealed new cases of lead poisoning (4.2%). The median blood lead level in these cases was 135 μg/L. The affected children were 5.4 ± 4.3 years old (< 16 years). Among the risk factors, compared with unaffected children, the following were identified: substandard housing (26.7% vs. 9.9%, p < 0.001), other poisoned children in the immediate environment (23.2% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001), and the presence of lead-based paint in the home (12.5% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Healthcare professionals now appear to be more aware of the need for screening for childhood lead poisoning. CAPTVs remain central to the system by receiving blood lead level monitoring reports. The often asymptomatic nature of lead poisoning makes these targeted screening efforts essential, along with the identification of risk factors. Epidemiological surveillance relies on collaboration between the InVS, CAPTVs, Regional Health Agencies (ARS), and field-level stakeholders. It enables the description of screening activities conducted in the region, providing useful information for stakeholders in the fight against lead poisoning, for the management of exposed children, and for reducing exposure.
Author(s): Pelissier F, Guilbert O, Mouly D, Lecoffre C, Franchitto N
Publishing year: 2015
Pages: S62-3
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