Lead screening during the domestic medical examination for newly arrived refugees

Following the phasing out of leaded gasoline and the ban on lead-based paint, the prevalence of lead poisoning, previously defined as a blood lead level (BLL) 65 10 mcg/dL, among children in the United States, has dramatically declined since the 1970s-- decreasing from 78% from 1976-1980 to 1.6% from 1996-2002.1 In contrast, refugee children arriving in the United States in recent years have increased average rates of BLL at their time of arrival.Background -- Clinical Presentation -- Evaluation and Treatment of Persons with Elevated Blood Levels -- Recommendations for Post-Arrival Lead Screening -- Sources of Additional Information \u2013 References.201