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. 2007 Jul-Aug;122(4):482-7.
doi: 10.1177/003335490712200409.

Do the same houses poison many children? An investigation of lead poisoning in Rochester, New York, 1993-2004

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Do the same houses poison many children? An investigation of lead poisoning in Rochester, New York, 1993-2004

Katrina Smith Korfmacher et al. Public Health Rep. 2007 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: In several cities, researchers have found that a discrete number of properties owned by a small number of owners house multiple lead poisoned children over time. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a small number of properties were implicated in the poisoning of multiple children in Rochester, New York, between 1993 and 2004.

Methods: We analyzed the patterns of ownership and repeated positive environmental investigations (i.e., documented lead hazards) in homes of lead poisoned children using county health department data during a 12-year period.

Results: A small percentage (14.8%) of properties in which the health department found a lead hazard had previously documented lead hazards. When a second positive investigation occurred, the average elapsed time between investigations was a little less than three years. Only four property owners owned more than two properties that had multiple positive investigations.

Conclusions: In some cities, a small number of properties or property owners provide housing for a large percentage of lead poisoned children. However, this situation is not universal. In Rochester, a relatively small percentage of homes that housed a child with an elevated blood lead level have a history of housing lead poisoned children. In cities like Rochester, lead hazard reduction resources should focus on high-risk housing stock determined by factors such as age, value, and condition, rather than on those with a prior record of housing lead poisoned children.

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