Citation:

Impact/Purpose:

We intend to map blood lead level data in the Chicago area and assess the associated risk factors that influence the elevated lead levels and use the information, in conjunction with our other federal, state and city partners to target education, outreach and program interventions and increase lead screening.

Description:

Region 5's Office of Strategic Environmental Analysis (OSEA) undertook an effort to map blood lead data in the Chicago area and assess the associated risk factors that influence the elevated lead levels. The goal was to obtain individual blood lead results and map the data on the smallest geographic scale possible so that variations occurring on a street block, census tract or neighborhood could be distinguished from neighboring areas. The results of this effort have resulted in a data set that can be used by numerous internal EPA programs and external agencies (other federal, state and city partners) who are looking for information about lead poisoning rates in Chicago. The data can help target education, outreach and program interventions, or increase lead screening rates within the city of Chicago. The results of this pilot study can be used to compare lead levels in Chicago with other urban areas within the Region, as well as by other entities searching for a methodology to complete similar mapping and targeting efforts.

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