POISONED LANDSCAPES - THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD-EXPOSUREIN MASSACHUSETTS CHILDREN 1990-1991

This research models the geographic variation in lead poisoning among children living in Massachusetts between 1990 and 1991. Elevated level s of blood lead, which reduce educational performance, arise because c hildren are exposed to unnaturally concentrated sources of lead in the built environment. A Poisson regression model indicates that a large number of children with lead poisoning may be detected in towns with a high proportion of older housing, female headed households, African-A mericans, and an industrial heritage. Our results suggest links betwee n the processes of urbanization and industrialization in Massachusetts and today's lead poisoned landscapes.