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Ethical issues in using children's blood lead levels as a remedial action objective

Date Added to Library: 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 12:59
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 
10.2105/AJPH.2011.300226
Priority: 
normal
Individual Author: 
Moodie, Sue M.
Evans, Emily Lorraine
Reference Type: 
Research Methodology: 
Published Date: 
11/28/2011
Published Date (Date): 
Monday, November 28, 2011
Publication: 
American Journal of Public Health
Volume: 
101
Page Range: 
S156-S160
Year: 
2011
Language(s): 
Abstract: 

The Environmental Protection Agency measures the success or failure of Superfund site remediation efforts against remedial action objectives (RAOs).

RAOs are frequently based on environmental contaminant concentrations, but with lead exposure, blood lead levels from the population at risk are often used. Although childhood lead screening is an important public health tool, an RAO based on child blood lead levels raises ethical concerns: public health efforts that are more reactive than preventive, a blood lead level (10 g/dL) hat may not be fully protective, the use of a measure whose validity and reliability may be easily comprised, and exacerbation of environmental injustice and systemic disadvantages. 

The example of Bunker Hill mine, Kellogg, Idaho, allowed an examination of these ethical concerns. (Author abstract)

Target Populations: 
Geographic Focus: 
Page Count: 
5
Topical Area: 
Keyword: 
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