INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE LEAD-EXPOSURE AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING PUBLIC LEAD SCREENING CLINICS - IMPLICATIONS FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION

Because lead exposure is a health-related condition that precedes elev ated blood lead levels, the aims of this study were to examine the pre valence of lead exposure among children attending lead screening clini cs in two Wisconsin counties and to explore its relationship to demogr aphic variables. Based on data obtained from parents, significant rela tionships were found between the history of possible exposure and the demographic variables of rural or urban home location, rented or owned dwelling, and family income. About 90% of the children were being exp osed to at least one possible lead source. The rationale for intensive study of lead exposure's demographic context was validated, and the n eed for primary prevention of lead exposure was affirmed.