Grantee Research Project Results

Development of a Community-Based Lead Risk and Mitigation Model

EPA Grant Number: CR839376
Title: Development of a Community-Based Lead Risk and Mitigation Model
Investigators: Cuppett, Jonathan
Institution: Water Research Foundation
Current Institution: Water Research Foundation , Cornwell Research Group , University of Florida
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2021 (Extended to April 30, 2024)
Project Amount: $1,981,000
RFA: National Priorities: Transdisciplinary Research into Detecting and Controlling Lead in Drinking Water (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Endocrine Disruptors , Drinking Water , Water

Objective:

The objective of this research is to further the science of risk assessment and mitigation for lead (Pb) exposure, and to translate this into practices that limit or even eliminate Pb exposure for drinking water consumers, especially children and pregnant women. This work will be applicable to sensitive members of the general public as well as small and large communities across the US with different water sources and varying water quality.

Approach:

This will be accomplished through: (1) generation of a risk based computational model that is built on an enhanced and comprehensive national dataset (2) identification of opportunities to mitigate Pb exposure in drinking water, and (3) development of a communication framework to educate stakeholders on risk mitigation opportunities.

Expected Results:

The ultimate expected benefit of this effort is to contribute to reduction in lead exposure through the drinking water pathway. This will be accomplished by developing a risk model that allows for the identification of at-risk locations and also provides guidance on how a community or even a resident can reduce exposure through specific interventions. The findings will be applicable to vulnerable members of the general public as well as small and large communities across the US with varying water quality. Specific outputs will include: (1) a risk based model that is built on a comprehensive and enhanced national dataset (2) mitigation strategies directly applicable to type and severity of risk, (3) advancement of the state-of-the-science understanding of WLL and BLL through several innovative research approaches, and (4) a communications framework to educate stakeholders on risk occurrence and mitigation opportunities.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 6 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

toxic, metals, vulnerability, dose-response, water lead level (WLL), water consumption, blood lead level (BLL), water chemistry, health effects, algorithms, prevention, lead control strategies, transparency

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.