Program Research

Learn what were the key factors associated with higher blood lead levels in Trail children in 1994. This study involved a more comprehensive look at links between the environment and children, following up from the first such study in 1988.

This study looked at whether regular (once every 6 weeks) thorough cleaning of floors using HEPA filter equipped vacuum cleaners would have a measurable effect on children’s blood lead levels. Fifty-five homes received the regular cleaning, while 56 homes did not.

This paper describes the limitations and challenges of studies of children’s lead exposure. It argued that insistence on proof of effectiveness of each potential intervention prior to moving ahead would lead to inaction. A case was made for moving ahead, evaluating the package of actions using the trends in annual blood lead data for Trail.

This study, conducted by UBC, laid the groundwork for the formation of the Trail Community Lead Task Force in 1990, and provided helpful guidance for the research and program development work through to 2000. Learn what the researchers discovered about the key factors affecting children’s lead exposure in Trail at that time.