Analysis of Blood Lead Screening Data (2008–2011) for Refugee Children in Rhode Island

摘要

Many refugee children arrive to the United States withelevated blood lead levels (BLLs) compared to U.S. born children.Immigrant and refugee children are at high risk for lead poisoningdue to previous lead exposure in their country of origin, malnutritionand iron deficiency. Upon arrival to Rhode Island most refugeesare initially placed in housing units in the Providence area locatednear essential services at Rhode Island Hospital, the InternationalInstitute of RI, and the Diocese of Providence. However, housingunits in these Providence neighborhoods are at high risk for leadhazards, thereby putting refugees at high risk for lead poisoning.