Reducing blood lead levels in children exposed to electronic waste recycling in Montevideo

Background: Preterm and dysmature infants have an increased risk for developmental delay. In the multi-ethnic society of Suriname 3% of the children are born very preterm ( < 32 weeks) and/or dysmature ( < 1500 gram). These infants are referred to a pediatric physical therapist to monitor motor development and in case of motor delay will receive

Methods: This study included two components of intervention.The first involved identification and remediation of informal settlements located at the Pantanoso River Basin in Montevideo.Soil monitoring was done in 9 settlements using X-ray fluorescence equipment and 8 settlements were remediated.The second intervention comprised of blood lead level screening for 40 people living in the area.Blood samples were taken before and after the cleanup activities via fingerstick with FDA approved Lead Care II equipment.

Findings:
The soil lead levels were as high as 18,900 ppm (recommended level 400 ppm).The cleanup activities resulted in remediated soil levels below 400 ppm.In total, 381 tons of contaminated soil and debris were removed.The average blood lead level (geometric mean) in the population tested was 8.85 mg/dL before intervention and 5.67 mg/dL after the remediation activities.
Interpretation: The clean up activities reduced average blood lead levels by 3.18 mg/dL, suggesting that this type of intervention is an effective tool for reducing blood lead levels in people living in close proximity to e-waste recycling activities.Remediation of lead contaminated soils should continue to be prioritized in an effort to reduce health effects in population that have been engaged in e-waste recycling.
Funding: This pilot project was funded by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP).
Abstract #: 1.013_PLA Motor performance of very preterm and dysmature infants in the multi-ethnic society of Suriname M.J. Fleurkens-Peeters 1 , A.J. Janssen 2 , M.W. Nijhuis-van der Sanden 2 , C.W. Zijlmans 3 ; 1 Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Suriname, 2 Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physical Therapy, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, The Netherlands, 3 Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Suriname Background: Preterm and dysmature infants have an increased risk for developmental delay.In the multi-ethnic society of Suriname 3% of the children are born very preterm (<32 weeks) and/or dysmature (<1500 gram).These infants are referred to a pediatric physical therapist to monitor motor development and in case of motor delay will receive early intervention.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of motor delay and contributing risk factors.
Methods: In 2014 a nationwide prospective cohort study was initiated monitoring infants with a gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500g using 3 infant motor development tests: the Alberta Infant Motor Scales and the fine and gross motor scales of the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development version III.Preliminary data were analyzed.
The study is approved by the Commission of Human Subjects Research of Suriname's Ministry of Health.
Interpretations: Surinamese infants had an overall high score on both assessments.Earlier studies in the Netherlands showed a 75% delay at age 6 months, and a 78% delay at age 12 months.These testing results should be interpreted with caution because different ethnic background and childrearing practices may influence motor development.Our ongoing validating studies for the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 5 years of age show differences in outcome with the United Kingdom and Dutch reference groups.These observations indicate that developmental tests for infants and children should undergo cross-cultural validation, most certainly in the multi-ethnic Surinamese population.

Funding:
None. Abstract #: 1.014_PLA Planetary Health/Global Environmental Health/One Health A n n a l s o f G l o b a l H e a l t h , V O L .8 2 , N O . 3 , 2 0 1 6 M a y eJ u n e 2 0 1 6 : 4 3 7 -4 4 5