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CONTRIBUTION OF CHLIDREN'S ACTIVITIES TO LEAD CONTAMINATION OF FOOD
Citation:
Freeman, N. G., L S. Sheldon, L J. Melnyk, E. D. Pellizzari, M R. Berry Jr., AND M. Jimenez. CONTRIBUTION OF CHLIDREN'S ACTIVITIES TO LEAD CONTAMINATION OF FOOD. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE ANALYSIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 11(5):407-413, (2001).
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of this research is to reduce uncertainties in exposure assessments of young children by improving EPA's ability to measure exposures in the context of aggregate and cumulative exposure assessments. The general objective of this research is to support FQPA children's exposure assessment efforts by improving procedures and reducing uncertainty in measurements for dietary exposure of young children, a critically needed area for improved risk assessment. Specifically, this research will evaluate a protocol and companion model for measuring or otherwise assessing the combined dietary intake of a young child as influenced by pesticides, or other environmental contaminants, which contaminate their foods during the eating process (indirect ingestion exposure). This research will continue to develop the important factors which are needed to characterize excess intake of pesticides by young children. Specifically, the research will measure pesticide surface transfer efficiencies for food contacts with surfaces and eating activity patterns of young children that define the frequency of contacts with contaminated surfaces. A series of reports/products are anticipated by the end of FY05.
Description:
This study evaluates the relationship of children's hygiene habits and food handling behaviors on lead levels on hands and handled foods for toddlers living in lead contaminated homes. Forty eight inner city toddlers who had previously been identified as having elevated blood lead levels participated in this study. The children participated in 3 consecutive days of activities. During the visits duplicate diets were obtained, the child handled a banana, a hot dog and had his/her hands wiped with a moist towellette. In addition, wipe samples were collected from the kitchen floor, and food items were collected from the kitchen floor. All samples were analyzed for lead. The child's caregiver completed a questionnaire which addressed the child's hygiene and eating behaviors. It demonstrated that children's contact with residential lead can transfer lead to food. Both lead in the home and on the children's hands can contribute to the contamination of food, and hence excess dietary exposure. In addition, child's hygiene habits as reported by the parent indicate that lack of basic hygiene patterns within a high lead environment can contribute to children's dietary exposure to lead.