The Facts

 

75%

of Quincy homes are likely contain lead paint

 

Fig. 1

How many children in Quincy have elevated blood levels compared to the state

A childhood blood lead level ≥ 5 μg/dL indicates the child’s exposure is higher than 97.5% of children nationally and that the child is in need of intervention according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Percentage of Children 9 months to less than 4 years of age with Blood Lead Levels ≥ 5 μg/dL

 

Chronic, low-level lead exposure can have harmful effects on a child. It is important to identify children at low levels to prevent further exposure and lead poisoning. State regulations require children with elevated capillary tests ≥ 5μg/dL to receive a venous follow-up test. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides free home visits and inspection services to children based on elevated venous levels. Without the required venous follow-up test, children may not receive these services and chronic exposure to lead may continue.

32%

Percentage of children without the required venous follow-up test

 

Fig. 2

Are all children in Quincy screened for lead?

Screening is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. Screening is required by the state, and all children must be screened between 9-12 months, at age 2, and at age 3. Children in high risk communities must also be screened at age 4. All blood lead results must be reported to the state health department, and must include complete demographic information such as race and ethnicity. This data enables the CLPPP to identify populations that can most benefit from targeted outreach and prevention activities.

 

Quincy Screening Rate (9-47 Months)

 

Massachusetts Screening Rate (9-47 Months)

 

Why is screening through age 3 important?

In Massachusetts, nearly 20% of children did not have an elevated blood lead level until age 3. All children must be screened annually through age 3. In Quincy, 78% of children are screened at age 3.

 

2020 Highlights in Massachusetts

  • Lead paint is the primary source of childhood lead exposure and Massachusetts has the 3rd oldest housing stock in the country, making lead exposure a significant health risk for Massachusetts children.

  • 420 children were identified as having lead poisoning in 2020, a venous BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL, and 1,880 children were estimated to have a BLL ≥ 5 µg/dL.

  • Due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, lead screening was down 10% for the year in 2020 and the prevalence of lead poisoning increased.

  • In 2020, 17 high-risk communities were identified, representing more than half of lead poisoning cases.

  • Lead exposure is more than an urban issue, impacting all areas of the state, including rural areas where the prevalence of elevated BLLs is often higher per capita.

  • Children living in low-income communities are nearly 4 times more likely to have elevated BLLs than those in high-income communities.

  • Multi-race children are 3 times more likely to have lead poisoning than white children.