CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CAREGIVING ENVIRONMENT TO INCREASED LEAD BURDEN OF CHILDREN

Abstract

Two groups of children, 12-30 mo. (14) and 31-78 mo. of age (12), showing increased Pb burden were compared to a sample of children matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status but showing no evidence of increased Pb burden. All children were screened at a local county health department because of suspected Pb exposure or as part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program. The quality of the caregiving environment was assessed using the HOME [Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment] Inventory. A measure of maternal intelligence was also obtained. For the younger children, significant deficits in maternal IQ and quality of the caregiving environment were associated with increased Pb burden. The subscales of the HOME Inventory dealing with emotional and verbal responsivity of the mother and maternal involvement with the child were significantly lower for children with increased Pb burden. For the older children there was no significant association between Pb burden and home environment or maternal IQ. Intellectual deficits previously attributed to Pb toxicity may be related to compromised home environment.